Puerto Rican Governor Jenniffer González-Colón signed PS 504 in late December, thereby amending the Puerto Rico Civil Code to recognize unborn babies as “natural persons” from the moment of conception.

This law will have an immediate effect on civil matters such as inheritance or civil rights, but does not change current abortion statutes or add protections against abortion.

Carol Tobias of National Right to Life stated what most pro-lifers were thinking: “Puerto Rico’s clear and courageous recognition of preborn babies as persons reflects a deep respect for life and provides a powerful example for lawmakers throughout the United States. Legal personhood for the preborn is not only consistent with science and human dignity but is the foundation upon which a culture of life can flourish.”

The new law does not change everything in Puerto Rico regarding the protection of unborn infants, but it is a step in the right direction.

There is some movement in this direction here in the US with the “Pro-Life Cities and Counties” activity in Arkansas and the “Campaign for Abortion Free Cities”.  Both campaigns strive to bring about change and ultimately protect the unborn infant.

Good to remember “Change is the parent of progress.” (Steve Maraboli).  Certainly, all of the changes discussed here contribute to the progress of the pro-life movement.

Contributed by Jerry Weyand