International Day of the Unborn Child is observed on 25th March every year to show opposition to abortion. It is an international event that is observed to celebrate the value of human life, dignity, and the developing child yet to be born. It is a day of commemoration of unborn fetuses who lost their lives due to abortion.
According to World Health Organization, around 73 million induced abortions take place worldwide each year. An abortion is the termination of a pregnancy by the removal or expulsion of an embryo or fetus from the uterus, resulting in or caused by its death. Unplanned or unwanted pregnancy is the leading cause for abortion. Socio economic concerns, lack of financial stability, relationship strain, health issues are some of the other causes.
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International Day of the Unborn Child: History
This was established by Pope John Paul II to coincide with the Feast of the Annunciation, the incarnation of Jesus Christ in the womb of Mary. It is observed on March 25th which is exactly nine months before Christmas. The Pope viewed the day as “a positive option in favor of life and the spread of a culture for life to guarantee respect for human dignity in every situation”. International Day of unborn child is officially recognized in several predominantly Catholic countries.
International Day of the Unborn Child took different names in different countries before the current name was finalized. El Salvador was the first nation to officially observe “Day of the Right to Be Born” in 1993. Gradually other countries followed suit with Argentina declaring the Day of the Unborn in 1998, Chile declaring the Day of the Conceived and Unborn in 1999, Guatemala declaring the National Day of the Unborn, and Costa Rica declaring the National Day of Life Before Birth in 2000. Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, Peru, Paraguay, the Philippines, Honduras, Ecuador, and Puerto Rico began commemorating the Day of the Unborn Child in 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2003, respectively. In 2013, Chile began commemorating the Day of the Unborn Child and Adoption. The Knights of Columbus have embraced the promotion of the International Day of the Unborn Child.
International Day of the Unborn Child: Theme
International Day of the Unborn Child: Significance
Every living being is precious. International Day of the unborn child is a day observed to fight against abortions. This day honors the worth and dignity of every human being right from conception until death. As of 2022, countries that legally allow abortion on request comprise about 60% of the world’s population. Though it has been banned, abortion continues and it has been a controversial subject in many societies on religious, moral, ethical, practical, and political grounds. The International Day of Unborn Child raises awareness of the worth of unborn fetuses and aims at eradicating the heinous act. The International Day of the Unborn Child is a day commemorated by countries as part of their anti-abortion activities.
How is International Day of the Unborn Child Observed?
Many churches pray the Rosary for the unborn or hold a Mass or Holy Hour for them. Some churches arrange fundraisers to benefit local pro-life organizations or crisis pregnancy clinics and some religious organizations conduct educational seminars and conferences on life and the family.
International Day of the Unborn Child – Quotes
International Day of the Unborn Child – Quotes - “The love and bond between a mother and her child begins the very moment she knows they are on their way to her.”
- “There is no greater blessing than a new baby. God is trusting you with a precious gift and He will guide you as you embark on this fantastic journey.”
- “An unplanned baby is a blessing from heaven.”
- “You don’t know love until you have grown a life inside of you that is half of the one you can’t live with.”
- “You are a proof that love before first sight does exist.”
- “There will never be a day like the day your baby was born.”
- “You become your mother’s love before she even knows who you are.”
The Day of the Unborn Child is a day to remember all children who are living in their mother’s wombs, to celebrate their lives, to remember those who were killed before they came into the world, to commit to protect the unborn, and to advocate against the violence of abortion.
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