HHS to define human life as ‘beginning at conception’

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released a draft of its new strategic plan for 2018-2022, and with the addition of some small words, it’s clear that there is a major change.

Formerly, the document stated the following in its introductory information:

HHS accomplishes its mission through programs and initiatives that cover a wide spectrum of activities, serving Americans at every stage of life.

The new edition now states this:

HHS accomplishes its mission through programs and initiatives that cover a wide spectrum of activities, serving and protecting Americans at every stage of life, beginning at conception.

The change might be just five words, but its meaning is deep. It signifies that at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services knows and accepts the truth, that life begins at conception (fertilization). Pro-life activists have said it for decades, scientists have proved it, and abortion supporters have denied and flat-out ignored it, but it’s true: life begins the moment a new human life is created – at fertilization. HHS is committed to protecting those lives.

READ: Science confirms that human life begins at fertilization

In addition to this change, HHS’ first strategic goal is to “Reform, Strengthen, and Modernize the Nation’s Health Care.” In the introductory paragraph, it is made clear that there is a mission to improve health care in the United States for all Americans, including those still in the womb. It states:

HHS is dedicated to reforming, strengthening, and modernizing the Nation’s health care system. By promoting greater affordability and balancing spending, strengthening health care quality and patient safety, improving access and expanding choices, and investing in the health care workforce, HHS seeks to improve health care outcomes for people we serve. While we may refer to the people we serve as beneficiaries, enrollees, patients, or consumers, our ultimate goal is to improve healthcare outcomes for all people, including the unborn, across healthcare settings.

Another addition is noticeable in the third strategic goal, which states that the HHS works to “Strengthen the Economic and Social Well-Being of Americans across the Lifespan.” HHS clearly states that not only does life begin at conception, but it should end at “natural death”:

A core component of the HHS mission is our dedication to serve all Americans from conception to natural death, but especially those individuals and populations facing or at high risk for economic and social well-being challenges, through effective human services.

The changes are welcome moves for those who advocate for the protection of preborn humans in a country where preborn eagles currently have more rights. It’s a small step, but it is a step in the right direction, acknowledging that life exists inside the womb.

READ: Scientists say life begins at conception with a burst of fluorescence

While former HHS Secretary Tom Price recently resigned from his position, pro-life Teresa Manning serves as deputy assistant secretary for population affairs, overseeing the federal funding for family planning programs, and Charmaine Yoest, former president of Americans United for Life, serves as assistant secretary of public affairs.