Gov. Mike Dunleavy lent his voice to the growing chorus of those fighting to protect unborn Alaskans from abortion.

With various pro-life rallies scheduled across Alaska this week, the governor issued a statement on Jan. 22, the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion across the nation. He noted that President Trump also proclaimed Jan. 22 as “National Sanctity of Human Life Day.” Later this week Trump will become the first sitting U.S. president to attend, in person, the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C.

I will remain firm in defending the sanctity of human life at all stages…

“Marking the 47th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, President Trump has proclaimed today as ‘National Sanctity of Human Life Day.’ I wholeheartedly agree with the President’s statement: ‘Every person — the born and unborn, the poor, the downcast, the disabled, the infirm, and the elderly — has inherent value. Although each journey is different, no life is without worth or is inconsequential; the rights of all people must be defended.’

Dunleavy then turned his words directly to the issue of abortion.

“Today is a somber reminder of the countless lives that have been denied as a result of abortion,” he said. “As Governor, I remain committed to upholding the principles our nation was founded on by protecting life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness of all Alaskans. I will remain firm in defending the sanctity of human life at all stages and will continue to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves.”

Since the Roe v. Wade decision in 1973, more than 65 million babies have been aborted in United States. Alaska reported 1,253 abortion last year and averages about 1,500 annually.