To observe the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, VSHL continued a long-standing tradition of delivering roses to the members of the Virginia General Assembly. Under the direction of VSHL lobbyist Louise Hartz, volunteers (see picture on page 1) distributed the roses together with the following message:

“On this day 29 years ago, the Supreme Court in ROE v. WADE stripped the unborn child of his Right to Life, the foremost human right and the foremost of America’s freedoms. The aftermath has seen the unbridled killing of millions of innocent unborn children as well as the diminishing of overall respect for the dignity and sanctity of human life at any stage or condition.

“This red rose is given to you in memory of those who have so unjustly died and in resolve to again achieve the protection of all human life under the law.”

On the floor of the House, Delegate Kathy Byron read President Bush’s proclamation on Sanctity of Human Life Day in its entirety. Delegate Dick Black spoke on behalf of the unborn. Delegate Chris Saxman showed a picture – a sonogram – of his fourth child yet to be born.

In the Senate, Senator Steve Martin read excerpts from the Bush proclamation.

VSHL roses were distributed to Va. General Assembly members by (left to right)
Heidi Hrobuchak, Briana Jain, Lauren Hrobuchak, Shelly Williams, Sarah Minock,
Elizabeth Hillgrove, and (in front) Robbie Jain behind his brother Kris Jain.

Published in VSHL Lifesaver, April 2002