“The care of human life and happiness and not their destruction is the first and only legitimate object of good government.” – Thomas Jefferson

Last week I had the opportunity to meet with the dedicated parents, teachers, students, and clergy who braved the January winter and made their way to Washington, D.C. to participate in a walk that is especially important to me: the March for Life.

This year is the 40th anniversary of the ruling of Roe v. Wade.  Since that fateful decision was issued by the Supreme Court, more than 55 million lives have been lost due to abortion. It serves as a reminder that we, as Americans, must continue to fight for the lives of the unborn.

In recent years, medical science has confirmed what we already knew. We know that in a number of weeks after conception that the unborn child has a detectable heartbeat, brain activity, and sometimes a blood-type that is different than that of the mother. With this scientific evidence, it is unfathomable that there are still over one million abortions performed every year. 

In the House of Representatives, my colleagues and I have successfully passed legislation such as the No Taxpayer for Funding Abortion Act and the Protect Life Act. However, the Senate has refused to act on these bills and we still have a great deal of pro-life work to accomplish. Those of you that take the time out of your busy lives to participate in the March for Life and teach important moral values to your children, family, and community truly make a difference and strengthen my conviction that one day we will be successful in our endeavor to protect all forms of human life. I urge all those committed to this mission to not lose faith, for liberty and morality may not be realized without faith.

In the 113th Congress, I will remain dedicated to supporting pro-life legislation. One of the first bills that I cosponsored was the Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act. This would ensure that Title X family planning grants are used for the intended purpose and are prohibited from being used by organizations that provide abortions.

In order to protect life, we must continue to stand up for our principles, communicate the negative impact abortion has on our communities, morals, and individual hearts, and focus on strengthening and promoting alternatives to abortion such as adoption. Each life is invaluable and should be given the opportunity to pursue dreams. I will not lose faith as we work together to protect the gift of life and the greatness humans can achieve, if only given the chance.