Abortion – Page 323 – Family Council

The Pro-Life Views of Ronald Reagan

May 26, 2015Jerry CoxAbortion, Words from Our PresidentsAbortion, Ronald Reagan, Words from Our Presidents

This week we continue our series examining different views of past presidents. Today we take a look at the pro-life views of President Ronald Reagan.

There’s One Individual Who’s Not Being Considered at All.

“[T]here’s one individual who’s not being considered at all. That’s the one who is being aborted. And I’ve noticed that everybody that is for abortion has already been born.” -Ronald Reagan, September 21, 1980.

No Longer Can Abortion Advocates Deny Reality.

“No longer can advocates of abortion deny reality: Abortion is not merely a matter between a woman and her doctor. For when they say that, surely they are forgetting the unborn child whose very life hangs in the balance.” -Ronald Reagan, September 11, 1985.

The Policy of Abortion On Demand Will Be Reversed.

“As more and more Americans become aware of the true nature of abortion, I am convinced that the policy of abortion on demand will be reversed and that everyone’s right to life will once again be fully protected.” -Ronald Reagan, September 11, 1985.

Aborted Fetal Remains Used to Treat Stroke Victims

May 20, 2015Jerry CoxAbortionBioethics, Ethics, Life, Medical Ethics, Pro-life, Sanctity of Human Life

USA Today released an article this week on stem cell therapies credited with helping two retired athletes recover from debilitating strokes.

According to the article, former NFL quarterback John Brodie and former NHL player Gordie Howe each sought treatment at clinics outside the U.S. The treatments they received involved the use of stem cells, and by all accounts, both men have recovered following the treatments.

Many have referred to the stem cells used in these stroke treatment as “adult stem cells.” There is a catch, however: Some of the “adult” stem cells actually were derived from aborted fetal remains.

Embryonic stem cell research is highly controversial—and rightly so. Embryonic stem cells—also known as pluripotent stem cells—can form into virtually any cell in the human body.

Theoretically, embryonic stem cells can be used to regrow cells or tissue missing in a person’s body. Some believe this could be used to treat or reverse permanent injuries, paralysis, and similar conditions, just to name a few. However, embryonic stem cell research requires doctors or scientists to create—and then kill—human embryos in order to harvest the embryos’ stem cells.

This amounts to murder of human beings—albeit very tiny human beings—in the name of science and medicine.

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Never-Before-Seen Pro-Life Letter from Ronald Reagan

May 4, 2015Jerry CoxAbortionAbortion, Life, Pro-life, Sanctity of Human Life

reaganletter One of the items prominently displayed on the wall of my office is a letter I received in 1985 from President Ronald Reagan.

The letter was written regarding an effort at the time to amend the Arkansas Constitution to prevent the public funding of abortion. It reads,

I was glad to learn of your dedication to the right to life of all Americans, born and unborn.

The tragic taking of human life by abortion is a matter close to my heart. Since the U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision in 1973, more than 15 million of our brothers and sisters, sons and daughters–Americans all–have been killed by this practice.

What is at stake in the debate over abortion is dramatically evident with the release this year of a videotape which, using the technique of real-time ultrasound, shows the brutality of this violent act. No longer can advocates of abortion deny reality: Abortion is not merely a matter between a woman and her doctor. For when they say that, surely they are forgetting the unborn child whose very life hangs in the balance.

I have often said that this issue will not be finally resolved until the facts and arguments are clearly framed and presented. Today, this is coming to pass. As more and more Americans become aware of the true nature of abortion, I am convinced that the policy of abortion on demand will be reversed and that everyone’s right to life will once again be fully protected.

You have my best wishes. God bless you.

Sincerely,
Ronald Reagan

Nearly thirty years have passed since President Reagan wrote that letter. In that time, the Arkansas Constitution has been amended to prevent public funding of abortion. We have seen abortion in Arkansas decline to some of the lowest levels since the 1970s. We have seen record numbers of Americans self-identify as “pro-life.” We have seen waves of new legislation written on the basis that human life has inherent value and dignity.

If the past three decades are any indicator, I believe Ronald Reagan was right: Americans have become more aware of the true nature of abortion, the policy of abortion on demand is being reversed, and everyone’s right to life will once again be fully protected.