American Pastors Network Urges Churches to Mark Sanctity of Human Life Sunday—a Time to Reflect on God’s Gifts and Need to Protect Them

In a parting shot to pro-life efforts around the nation, President Barack Obama issued a rule last month that bars states from denying federal funds to Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion provider.

Obama’s rule will take effect two days before President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated, reported the New York Times, and just a few days after churches nationwide observe Sanctity of Human Life Sunday on Jan. 15.

But late last week, House Speaker Paul Ryan vowed that Republican lawmakers “will move to strip all federal funding for Planned Parenthood as part of the process they are using early this year to dismantle Obamacare,” reported CNN.

Regardless of how the situation progresses, the American Pastors Network is urging pastors and churches to stand up for life—especially in January during Sanctity of Human Life Month.

“Although life is precious every day of the year,” said APN President Sam Rohrer, “Sanctity of Human Life Sunday is a time when pastors and churches can truly focus on protecting life in their communities. We can no longer ignore abortion in our churches. Many may be struggling with the scars of abortion in their own lives, and looking to the church for help, healing and restoration. Additionally, we must equip our people to stand up for the sanctity of life in their own communities, states and across the nation. Let’s work toward the goal that 2017 will be the year that Planned Parenthood is defunded for good, that a new Supreme Court justice who will stand for life will be appointed, and that the killing of innocent babies will no longer continue to be stain on the pages of our nation’s history.”

More than three decades ago, President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation declaring Jan. 22, 1984, as National Sanctity of Human Life Day. The Sunday closest to this day is observed as Sanctity of Human Life Sunday.

Jan. 22 marks the 44th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision of 1973, which legalized abortion in America. LifeNews.com estimates that nearly 59 million babies have been aborted since then.