Sanctity of Human Life Sunday began in 1984 when then President Ronald Reagan designated January 22 be set aside to celebrate God’s gift of life, commemorate the many lives lost to abortion, and commit to protecting human life at every stage – from conception to natural death. This date was selected because on January 22, 1973 – the Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton decisions were handed down by the United States Supreme Court, making abortion legal in all 50 states.
January 2023 commemorated the 39th year our nation has observed the sanctity of human life, and this year, we are celebrating the overturning of Roe v. Wade. However, the need to pray for a culture of life in our community and our nation is still vitally important. Abortions, especially chemical abortions, continue to occur – even in states where abortion is now illegal.
The Alaska Legislature had legalized abortion in 1970, which made Alaska one of a handful of states to do that before Roe v. Wade was decided, so abortion remains legal in our state. The women and men facing unplanned pregnancies need a safe place of help, hope and support and CPC is here to provide that to them.
Sanctity of Human Life Sunday continues to be recognized by most churches on the third Sunday in January – and usually the Sunday closest to the date these court decisions were handed down. It is annually commemorated by thousands of churches and individuals who want to stand for Life.
