Now, let’s rewind a bit on how this special day started. Back in 1984, on the 11th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation designating the third Sunday in January as National Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. He said it so beautifully: “We have been given the precious gift of human life… It is fitting… that we reflect anew on these blessings, and on our corresponding responsibility to guard with care the lives and freedoms of even the weakest of our fellow human beings.” 2 He called on us to gather in homes and places of worship to give thanks and reaffirm the dignity of every life.” Reagan’s 1984 proclamation emphasized, ‘Abortion has denied them the first and most basic of human rights, and we are infinitely poorer for their loss.’ This foundational message continues to inspire pro-life efforts post-Roe v. Wade. 2
Fast forward to today—President Donald Trump was the last to officially proclaim it, back in his term. Fun fact: January 22, 2023, marked exactly 50 years since Roe v. Wade, and it was the first celebration after that landmark was overturned in 2022. Communities came together with church events, services, walks for life, movie screenings, or prayer vigils. .