By John Jalsevac
WASHINGTON, D.C., January 23, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Yesterday hundreds of thousands of pro-life advocates convened for the annual March for Life in Washington D.C., to commemorate the Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton cases that legalized abortion in the United States.
At the same time, newly-sworn in President Barack Obama defied expectations that he would sign an executive order revoking the Mexico City policy, which prohibits taxpayer monies from going to organizations that promote or perform abortions overseas. Instead Obama postponed doing so for a day, and released a statement defending Roe v. Wade and calling for “common ground” in the “sensitive and often divisive” abortion debate.
“On the 36th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, we are reminded that this decision not only protects women’s health and reproductive freedom, but stands for a broader principle: that government should not intrude on our most private family matters,” said Obama. “I remain committed to protecting a woman’s right to choose.”
He continued, “While this is a sensitive and often divisive issue, no matter what our views, we are united in our determination to prevent unintended pregnancies, reduce the need for abortion, and support women and families in the choices they make. To accomplish these goals, we must work to find common ground to expand access to affordable contraception, accurate health information, and preventative services.”
Today, however, Obama is set to sign an executive order rescinding the Mexico City Policy, ensuring that taxpayer monies will be spent on promoting and performing abortions overseas and initiating what is widely expected to be the most pro-abortion administration in U.S. history.