A U.S. religious liberty group and a Mexican development organization held a seminar at the United Nations to advocate the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals in a way that respects human life and the family.
"At this crucial time in history when the sanctity of life and the human family are assaulted at every turn, there is an urgent need to address delegates of the United Nation and make them aware of the importance of protecting the dignity and freedom of every human being," Alan Sears, the president, CEO and general counsel of Alliance Defending Freedom, said Sept. 18.
"Every innocent life deserves to be protected," he added.
The Sept. 19 event, in the Conference Building at the United Nations, aimed to present solid research and development paths to U.N. delegates, dignitaries and other decision makers.
The seminar, titled "Life and Family: A Real Approach to Millennium Development Goals," was webcast live at webtv.un.org. The Alliance Defending Freedom and Incluyendo Mexico are co-sponsoring the event.
The seminar focuses on the four international development goals concerning education, poverty, maternal health and infant mortality.
Dr. Elard Koch, director of the Chile-based MELISA Institute, presented research showing that countries with abortion prohibitions like Chile and Ireland have witnessed dramatic improvements in maternal health and significant decreases in infant mortality.
Sociology professor Mark Regnerus of the University of Texas at Austin presented case studies on the link between strong family bonds and a solid education in poverty reduction.
The event sponsors say that development goals can be reached while strengthening the early personal formation of children and protecting the lives of the innocent unborn.
Sears strongly criticized efforts at the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva that seek to decriminalize abortion worldwide.
"This is a blatant attack on the sanctity of life," said Sears, who will speak at the seminar.
Rosa Leal de Pérez, First Lady of Guatemala, also addressed the gathering.
After the seminar, a reception at the Millennium Hotel at One United Nations Plaza honored Guatemalan President Otto Pérez Molina.
The Alliance Defending Freedom has a special website on the Millennium Development Goals and the Thursday seminar at www.alliancedefendingfreedom.org/MDGs.
Source: CNA