Yesterday, Congressman John Boehner of Ohio was unanimously elected as the next Speaker of the House. According to Americans United for Life (who awarded him with their 2010 Defender of Life Award), Boehner stated that “…he wants to be the most pro-life Speaker ever.” He has been a consistent pro-life voice in Congress, shown by his 100% pro-life voting record. He also played a primary role in keeping the Republicans unanimously against Obama’s abortion-funding Healthcare bill, and his support for the Pledge to America.
His passion for the pro-life movement goes far beyond political incentives. When he accepted his Defender of Life award from AUL in May, he choked up as he recognized Henry Hyde as his hero and explained his family upbringing. Boehner was brought to tears as he told of his 11 brothers and sisters, saying “I know it wasn’t convenient for my mother to have 12 of us…” and concluding, “But I’m sure glad they’re all here.”
For those who question whether Congressmen, like Boehner, are truly pro-life, Boehner has made it clear that his pro-life stance is based on personal values, not political strategy. His motives were made clear as he explained his reasons for consistently voting pro-life while receiving another award from the National Right to Life Committee:
“Respect for life has never been a political position for me, it’s just who I am.”
“America is a nation that is built on freedom, but without respect for life that freedom is in jeopardy. When we reaffirm our commitment to life we reaffirm our commitment to freedom. We should always err on the side of life and respect the dignity of human life. We have a moral obligation to defend the defenseless and there is nothing more defenseless and more innocent than an unborn baby. The defense of life and the defense of freedom are necessarily linked and, if we accept that, we can’t accept the current agenda in Washington.”
Boehner will be supported by a strong pro-life leadership team including new majority leader, Rep. Eric Cantor of Virginia, new majority whip, Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California, and Republican Conference chair, Rep. Jeb Hensarling of Texas.
For more information visit Lifenews.com.
