On January 22, 1973, the United States Supreme Court legalized the murder of innocent, helpless, unborn children. Thirty-five years and over 48 million aborted babies later, pro-lifers across the nation recognizing January as Sanctity of Human Life month. Instead of admitting defeat in the face of aggressive anti-life legislation and sentiment throughout our country over the last 35 years, the pro-life movement is rapidly gaining the high ground.

Current research and studies indicate that in 2005 the number of abortions in the U.S. fell to an all-time low. In 2005 in Wisconsin, 9,800 babies were aborted, compared to 11,130 in 2000. The 2005 number is the lowest since 1973, when 8,160 abortions were performed in this state.

The incredible work of the pro-life movement significantly contributes to that nationwide and statewide decline. As pro-lifers educate women on the consequences of abortion and convince them of the humanity of their unborn child by the use of ultrasounds, they’re changing our culture’s view of preborn life.

Despite the drop in the number of abortions, we dare not be satisfied until this legalized scourge has ended. Pro-life citizens in Kansas are setting a great example for all of us. Pro-lifers in that state are making the infamous late-term abortionist George Tiller the subject of a grand jury investigation. Tiller faces trial on March 10 th of this year on 19 counts of illegal, late-term abortions.

According to Kansas law, it’s illegal to abort an unborn child after viability at 22 weeks, unless continuing the pregnancy would put the mother’s life at risk or result in “substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function.”

Operation Rescue, a pro-life organization in Kansas, has obtained records from Tiller’s abortion clinic proving that he has repeatedly violated this law and continues to do so. In another situation involving late-term abortions, Kansas District Attorney Phill Kline has brought a 107-count indictment against Overland Park, Kansas Planned Parenthood for conducting illegal late-term abortions in 2003 and for falsifying and forging abortion records.

Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin is the largest provider of abortions in the state. Here in Wisconsin, Planned Parenthood, which receives $2 million a year of our state taxpayer money, in addition to thousands more from our federal taxes, has 30 “health centers,” as they refer to them and provides abortion services in Appleton, Madison and Milwaukee. In addition, at least one center provides what the web site calls “Outcare,” which are services especially for people practicing homosexuality.

This is the organization that sends Christmas greetings that say, “Choice on Earth.” This is the organization that offers “free” so-called “reproductive health care” for 15-17 year-old girls without their parents’ knowledge, let alone consent. This is the organization that is a frequent visitor in our public schools, bringing a “recreational sex” message to the young people who are a captive audience. This is the organization that uses taxpayer money and loopholes in Wisconsin’s current law to advocate for, counsel in favor of, refer for, and even perform abortions.

Apparently, the pro-lifers in Kansas have had it with this Planned Parenthood group and took specific legal action. One has to wonder if this investigation in Kansas is just the tip of the iceberg, as it relates to illegal activities within Planned Parenthood at both the state and federal levels.

One thing we know, Planned Parenthood isn’t celebrating National Sanctity of Life Month. Instead, they are seeking ways to protect their pro-death mission.

Friends, advocating for the sanctity of human life is not just a worthy cause; it’s the fundamental cause of this generation. God gives life, and He’s the One Who decides when it should begin and end. We must secure the safety and sanctity of all human life, whether unborn or born, whether young or old, whether healthy or ill. In doing so, we reflect God’s character are obedient to His teachings. Whether its National Sanctity of Human Life month or any other month, we must continue in prayer and action as we advocate for life in our state and our nation.

For Wisconsin Family Council, I’m Julaine Appling, reminding you the Prophet Hosea said, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.