Today is Sanctity of Life Sunday.
In 1984, President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation designating January 22, 1984, as National Sanctity of Human Life Day. His message declared, in part: “I call upon the citizens of this blessed land to gather on that day in homes and places of worship to give thanks for the gift of life and to reaffirm our commitment to the dignity of every human being and the sanctity of each human life.”
In September 1995, I had spontaneously moved to southern California with my new boyfriend. I was 20 years old, a college drop-out, just trying to figure out my place in this world. I was shocked and scared when I learned shortly after we arrived in California that I was pregnant. My boyfriend and I were not ready to become parents – we were still finding our way as a new couple. We had scheduled for me to get an abortion but a few hours before the appointment, I just couldn’t bring myself to go through with it.
My firstborn daughter was born in May of 1996, and she is now a gorgeous, smart, talented 25-year-old. I spent much of her life as a single mother. We went through a lot of very difficult times together and for many years, life was anything but easy. But I can’t imagine my life without her in it. She is part of me, but most importantly, she was created by God…on purpose, for a purpose. I have the privilege of watching her live out that purpose.
My story is one of millions. Many parents who had unplanned pregnancies have not had an easy road. And many of these parents have miracle stories like mine.
Conservative Ladies of Washington is on the side of life. Life is THE issue. Everything begins and ends with life itself. It is our duty to come alongside those who are facing unplanned pregnancies and offering them hope and support to choose life for their unborn child.
*By Julie Barrett, Founder, Conservative Ladies of Washington – proud mother of Natalie, 25 (oldest of 4)
