Pro-life Americans should be rejoicing today after Governor Romney’s announcement that Congressman Paul Ryan from Wisconsin will be his running mate. In addition to his courageous efforts as Chairman of the House Budget Committee to restore economic security and a balanced budget to America, Congressman Paul Ryan has unabashedly defended innocent human life and relentlessly fought against abortion’s victimization of women. He is truly a defender of the human rights of all human beings.
For Americans who evaluate the life issue when choosing a candidate, by a two to one margin the balance leans toward life. With that in mind, it should be expected that Governor Mitt Romney’s choice for Vice President, Congressman Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, will be fully vetted for his voting record and public statements on life and how public policy should be shaped. And the Congressman’s record is exceptional.
In a February 2009 op-ed, Congressman Ryan stated that “[W]e need to protect [unborn] life as we would protect other children…I remain committed to restoring the value of human life and fighting for the rights of the unborn…Most importantly, we must ensure that the most vulnerable among us – both unborn children and mothers struggling with unplanned pregnancies – are afforded the compassion and opportunities they need to choose life.”
Congressman Ryan’s commitment to protecting life is evidenced by Congressman Ryan’s 100% pro-life voting record in AUL Action’s, AUL’s sister organization, score card. During his tenure in Congress, he has consistently worked to safeguard all innocent human life and to advance the health and safety of women by voting for life-affirming, pro-woman legislation including voting to end federal taxpayer funding of abortion, and repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that is wrought with anti-life provisions. He has also co-sponsored legislation to protect the freedom of conscience, and to protect the health and safety of minor girls.
In a piece he wrote for the Heritage Foundation and reported at LifeNews, Congressman Ryan writes: “I cannot believe any official or citizen can still defend the notion that an unborn human being has no rights that an older person is bound to respect. I do know that we cannot go on forever feigning agnosticism about who is human. As Thomas Jefferson wrote, ‘The God who gave us life gave us liberty at the same time.’ The freedom to choose is pointless for someone who does not have the freedom to live. So the right of ‘choice’ of one human being cannot trump the right to ‘life’ of another. How long can we sustain our commitment to freedom if we continue to deny the very foundation of freedom—life—for the most vulnerable human beings?”
Congressman Ryan’s record particularly demonstrates his understanding that fiscal and social issues go hand in hand. Seven out of 10 Americans oppose the use of their tax dollars to support abortion, and Congressman Ryan has and will continue to ensure American’ hard-earned tax dollars do not line the coffers of the nation’s largest abortion provider, a scandal-ridden, corrupt organization that disregards the health and safety of women and young girls.
John Locke once said: “I have always thought the actions of men the best interpreters of their thoughts.” At a time when many leaders attempt to placate or mislead hidden agendas with words, what an honor to have someone who is defending Americans in his actions—someone who is combating the real war on women and defending innocent human life.
Congressman Ryan’s actions—particularly his support of life-affirming legislation—demonstrate that he whole-heartedly shares AUL’s goal of ensuring that all are welcomed in life and protected in law. We commend Governor Romney for his pick of Congressman Ryan as his running mate, who will be a trustworthy ally to defend the dignity of all human life, particularly women and children, in the White House.
