On Feb. 8, 2017, hundreds of pro-life Kentuckians gathered in the Rotunda of the Capitol building in Frankfort to watch Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin ceremoniously sign into law two pro-life bills.
The bills, one putting a ban on late-term abortions in Kentucky and the other requiring a woman seeking an abortion earlier in her pregnancy to undergo an ultrasound beforehand, were officially signed in January 2017.
“To say that I am proud of this group of men and women is a ridiculous understatement. Mine was the easiest job,” Bevin said, taking a moment to have the crowd give a cheer of appreciation to all the men and women in the legislature who championed the bills that were signed.
“Somebody asked me why I would want to get involved in this. Why I would want to sign pro-life legislation,” Bevin said. He replied, “Why would I not?”
“What they said to me was that it really was not the role of a governor to do this because it was too controversial,” he continued. “Well, there have been a few other controversial things that have happened throughout the course of history,” he said, citing the Boston Tea Party, the Declaration of Independence, Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr, and more.
“But I’ll tell you what. It is worth it. The reason government does exist and the reason you have chosen these men and women you just applauded is because controversy is sometimes needed to do the right thing,” he continued.
“This is exactly why this matters,” Bevin said, holding a baby, the child of one of his office staff. “This is why what seems controversial to some seems like an absolute slam dunk, no brainer, why are we even arguing about this, to everyone who actually gives thought to this. This is why.”
Noting that the legislation was passed by both Republicans and Democrats, he continued, “Life, the sanctity of human life, the respect for human life, the protection of the innocent, the vulnerable being protected by a government that could harm them but instead is used for their good and protection, that does not know party.”
He added, “These are the things that matter. These should not be controversial.”
After his speech, Bevin, still holding the baby, signed the ceremonious bills. He was then presented the Guardian of Life award by Paul Chitwood, executive director of the Kentucky Baptist Convention.
Myriah Snyder