History of Sanctity of Human Life Sunday
At Caring Network, we value the precious sanctity of human life. Over the past four decades, we’ve saved thousands of lives through the services and support we provide women in crisis. Yet, we couldn’t thrive in our mission without our caring and helpful volunteers. Join us in the pro-life movement and begin making a difference in the fight for life! Check out our volunteer opportunities and find out how you can get involved today!
Origins of the Sanctity of Human Life
The pivotal year in history took place over four decades ago. The pro-life movement began to take shape in the United States on the same day that the Roe v. Wade case resulted in legalized abortion on January 22, 1973. The first National Sanctity of Human Life Day was proclaimed by then President Ronald Reagan in celebration of God’s gift of life to memorialize those lost to abortion. 4 Unifying hearts and minds, churches and individuals across the nation came together in a sacred commitment to protect and rescue human life. To this day, churches continue to recognize the third Sunday in January as Sanctity of Human Life Sunday.
How God Views the Sanctity of Human Life
The sanctity of human life originated far earlier than the twentieth century. Right from the beginning, God’s heart was in favor of His creation. Humans are the only creation God made is His own image and His own likeness (Genesis 1:26–27), holding us uniquely sacred. He declared His fondness and mission for us in Genesis 28, “And God blessed them, and God said unto them, ‘Be fruitful, and multiply.’” We witness the sanctity of life over and over throughout His word. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart” (Jeremiah 1:5). “It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people” (Psalm 100:3). Every unborn and born life on earth has been created with purpose, with love, and with value.
Protecting the Sanctity of Human Life
The sight of the profound value of life can sometimes get lost. As a result, conception can become a topic of debate, and less-focused on the sanctity of human life. Women often consider abortion in the face of trying circumstances and difficult hardships. Reaching these women before they decide is even more vital now than ever before. Even as abortion rates in the United States reportedly drop to a historic low 1 , there is still much to be done in protecting unborn human lives.
In a challenging political and social climate, the pro-life movement stands strong with God on its side. The gift of life is one to cherish, guard, and rescue. What will be your part in making a difference and making history? What more can you learn about the issues involved in the pro-life movement?
Caring Network continues to value the sanctity of human life as we strive to impact the pro-life movement. We surround women in their pregnancy decisions with compassionate care and support, sharing the gospel and God’s truth with them at every opportunity He provides. Help us make a lasting difference and reach out to us today to learn more!
References:
- De La Garza, Alejandro. (2018, November). Number of U.S. Abortions Hits Lowest Rate Since Roe v. Wade, CDC Reports. Retrieved from: https://time.com/5461616/abortions-lowest-rate-cdc/.
- Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc. (2019). Roe v. Wade. Retrieved from: https://www.britannica.com/event/Roe-v-Wade.
- org. (2018–2019). The Value and Dignity of Human Life. Retrieved from: https://www.esv.org/resources/esv-global-study-bible/the-value-and-dignity-of-human-life/.
- Life Matters Worldwide. (2019). Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. Retrieved from: https://www.lifemattersww.org/CHURCHES/Sanctity-of-Human-Life-Sunday.
