What is National Sanctity of Human Life Sunday?

27 years ago the Christian Action Council Education and Ministries Fund, which is today known as Care Net, asked President Ronald Reagan to create a special day to focus on the intrinsic value of human life and the fundamental right to life, as recognized by the American Founding Fathers.

In 1983, President Reagan issued a proclamation establishing a National Sanctity of Human Life Sunday (SOHLS). Since 1983, the SOHLS proclamation has also been issued by Presidents George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush.

When is SOHLS?

The National Sanctity of Human Life Sunday is held on the Sunday in January that falls closest to the day on which the Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton decisions were handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court on January 22, 1973.

How can I get involved?

Each year, individuals and churches sponsor a variety of activities and events to commemorate SOHLS, including special prayer services, ringing church bells, and special sermons and Sunday school lessons. In addition to worship services, thousands of Christians petition the Lord privately through prayer and fasting to codify the right to life in the United States.

As a national network of pregnancy centers has arisen to help women facing unplanned pregnancies, church leaders have begun to encourage members of their congregations to support their local centers in a variety of ways. This important day also provides an opportunity for pregnancy centers to share about the work they do to bring life-affirming resources to their communities and to empower women and men to choose life for their unborn children.

In 2010, SOHLS will take place on January 24th. In honor of this important day, Care Net and Frontlines Publishing have partnered to create two beautiful, customizable SOHLS brochures that can be purchased and shared with your church or community.

If you are interested in helping promote National Sanctity of Human Life Sunday and the work of local pregnancy centers at your church you may use the tab to the left to order online or contact Care Net at 205-979-7909 or Frontlines at (616) 248-4300.