Paul Ryan Explains Why He Thinks the Pro-Life Movement Is ‘on the Rise’

Rachel del Guidice / January 19, 2018

The pro-life movement is “on the rise” because of science, House Speaker Paul Ryan said at the 45th annual March for Life in Washington, D.C.

“Truth is on our side. Life begins at conception,” said Ryan, R-Wis.

Ryan also praised House lawmakers for passing Born-Alive Survivors Protection Act, which the House passed 241-183 Friday.

“Today, we passed the Born-Alive Survivors Protection Act,” Ryan said. “It protects the life of those babies who suffer from failed abortions, but most importantly, like the March for Life, we are striving to do this without judgement in our hearts, but with compassion and with love for all of the victims.”  

The Wisconsin lawmaker said science has been an important part of advancing the pro-life movement.  

Just look at the ultrasounds that have shown us more about the pre-born child than … ever before: how they develop, how they react, how they feel pain.

And most importantly, the pro-life movement is on the rise because we have love on our side. We believe every person is worthy of love and dignity.

Ryan said another aspect that has been key is the witness of the people who work in the pro-life movement.

“One thing that gets sorta lost in this controversy is just how compassionate the pro-life movement really is,” Ryan said. “This is what is lost by all those detractors out there. I am so proud of the work that this movement has done to help women, especially women who have gone through the pain of abortion, this movement helps them find healing and acceptance.”

The speaker also recounted legislative pro-life victories that the House has had.

We’re making a lot of progress. In the House, we passed legislation to defund Planned Parenthood. In the House, we passed the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, which restricts abortion after 20 weeks. We passed the Conscience Protection Act, which ensured no one is forced to produce an abortion against his or her will.

The annual March for Life took place Friday, with pro-lifers gathering in Washington, D.C., for a rally on the National Mall and a walk to the Supreme Court.

Ryan thanked the attendees for their witness.

“I want to thank you for being here, for taking the time, for the prayers, for the joy, for the compassion, and for the love that you demonstrate right here in this march,” Ryan said. “This is why the pro-life movement is on its rise. Remember, these are our most powerful tools against the pains of abortion.”