Western South Dakota News

U.S. Senator John Thune, a Republican from South Dakota, delivered a powerful speech on the Senate floor today, expressing his support for the upcoming March for Life and the rights of the unborn. Thune commended the thousands of Americans, including many South Dakotans, who will be traveling to Washington, D.C. to participate in the march.

Thune emphasized the significance of the March for Life, stating, "They come to Washington, D.C., for a simple reason – to testify to the truth enshrined in our Declaration, that all men and women are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, and that among these are LIFE, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

The senator acknowledged the diverse group of marchers, including young people and individuals from all walks of life. He stressed that the right to life applies to every person, born and unborn, and criticized the pro-abortion movement for attempting to obscure this truth. Thune stated, "I think even they are well-aware that when we’re talking about abortion, we’re talking about the killing of a human being."

Thune highlighted the staggering number of abortions that occur in the United States each year, citing a report from the pro-abortion Guttmacher Institute. He stated, "In the first 10 months of 2023, there were an estimated 878,000 abortions in the formal U.S. health care system. To put that number in perspective, 878,000 is more than the entire population of some U.S. states."

The senator acknowledged the March for Life as a powerful witness to the pro-life movement but noted that it is just one facet of the movement. Thune emphasized the importance of offering hope and help to mothers in need, which happens every day in pregnancy resource centers, maternity homes, churches, and college campuses across the country.

Thune expressed his commitment to protecting babies and supporting the work of the pro-life movement in Washington. He mentioned his opposition to pro-abortion rules from the administration and his efforts to advance legislation such as the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. This act would ensure that babies born alive during a botched abortion receive the same medical care as any other baby.

The senator expressed his gratitude to his colleagues in Congress who stand up for life and to the countless Americans who advocate for moms and their babies. He concluded by acknowledging the hopeful and enthusiastic mood of the marchers at the March for Life, especially the young people. Thune firmly believes that life will prevail and looks forward to the day when the right to life of every American, born and unborn, is respected.

In conclusion, Senator Thune's speech highlighted the importance of the March for Life and the pro-life movement in advocating for the rights of the unborn. He emphasized the need to protect and support mothers and babies, and expressed his commitment to advancing pro-life legislation. Thune's remarks serve as a reminder of the reality of abortion and the ongoing battle to defend the right to life.