Well, now we come to a family issue that we must have the courage to confront.  Tonight, I call America—­a good nation, a moral people—­to charitable but realistic consideration of the terrible cost of abortion on demand.  To those who say this violates a woman’s right to control of her own body:  Can they deny that now medical evidence confirms the unborn child is a living human being entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness?  Let us unite as a nation and protect the unborn with legislation that would stop all Federal funding for abortion and with a human life amendment making, of course, an exception where the unborn child threatens the life of the mother.  Our Judeo-Christian tradition recognizes the right of taking a life in self-defense.  But with that one exception, let us look to those others in our land who cry out for children to adopt.  I pledge to you tonight I will work to remove barriers to adoption and extend full sharing in family life to millions of Americans so that children who need homes can be welcomed to families who want them and love them.

And let me add here:  So many of our greatest statesmen have reminded us that spiritual values alone are essential to our nation’s health and vigor.  The Congress opens its proceedings each day, as does the Supreme Court, with an acknowledgment of the Supreme Being.  Yet we are denied the right to set aside in our schools a moment each day for those who wish to pray.  I believe Congress should pass our school prayer amendment.

Now, to make sure there is a full nine member Supreme Court to interpret the law, to protect the rights of all Americans, I urge the Senate to move quickly and decisively in confirming Judge Anthony Kennedy to the highest Court in the land and to also confirm 27 nominees now waiting to fill vacancies in the Federal judiciary.

Here then are our domestic priorities.  Yet if the Congress and the administration work together, even greater opportunities lie ahead to expand a growing world economy, to continue to reduce the threat of nuclear arms, and to extend the frontiers of freedom and the growth of democratic institutions.

Our policies consistently received the strongest support of the late Congressman Dan Daniel of Virginia.  I’m sure all of you join me in expressing heartfelt condolences on his passing.

One of the greatest contributions the United States can make to the world is to promote freedom as the key to economic growth.  A creative, competitive America is the answer to a changing world, not trade wars that would close doors, create greater barriers, and destroy millions of jobs.  We should always remember:  Protectionism is destructionism.  America’s jobs, America’s growth, America’s future depend on trade—­trade that is free, open, and fair.