This evening, Congressman Huizenga (MI-02) spoke on the House floor in support of life, adoption, and West Michigan values. Below are highlights from Congressman Huizenga's speech:
Highlights:
• We must continue to fight for the unborn, but there's another story to be told as well. That is the story of those children that we cannot forget, who need permanent loving homes.
• Each year there are about 120,000 families that navigate the adoption process and welcome new children into their lives. I'm pleased to report that adoption rates in West Michigan, where I represent, are among the highest in the country. Bethany Christian Services, the largest adoption agency in America, is located in Grand Rapids. The Lakeshore Pregnancy Center, which I have a personal connection with, and so many other organizations that are out there trying to provide those services.
• My own church this past Sunday set up a Pack 'n Play and the challenge to all of us at the church was - let's fill it. In fact, let's fill two of those with all the needs that these mothers and these children have, so we can provide that alternative to those young ladies, oftentimes, who are desperate and looking for a way out. They're looking for an answer and they don't know where to turn. To have crisis pregnancy centers there to offer alternatives to death and destruction is something that we need to take very seriously and I take very seriously as a believer.
• I was especially touched this year as I watched the life of a member of my own staff change when she and her husband adopted a little baby girl. These are the things to keep in mind when we talk about life and the culture of life. Let's change those statistics so more stories like this one can be told. These are stories that change lives not just of the children, but of the adoptive parents, the grandparents, the aunts, the uncles, and the friends. We're thrilled and celebrate those families that have made that choice and we pray that the work we do here can continue to help them make that choice.
