We Need Another Wilberforce

This time, for the unborn:

In movie theaters across the nation, audiences are being treated to the extraordinary story of William Wilberforce's impactful life. He was a man whose deep faith in God fed an indomitable belief that all people have an inherent right - bestowed by God - to life and freedom.

Director Michael Apted's "Amazing Grace" has been praised for its telling of Wilberforce's contribution to humankind. And indeed it is worthy of much praise as both a recounting of the man's life and as a dramatic production.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott (R) and his wife Pauline (C) react at the opening of the William Wilberforce Institute for the study of Slavery and Emancipation (WISE) in Hull, northern England, July 6, 2006. Parliament launched a full inquiry on Thursday into Prescott's contacts with an U.S. billionaire who hopes to open a London casino in the Millennium Dome. REUTERS/Nigel Roddis (BRITAIN) Wilberforce took what was then an unpopular position - ending slavery in the British Empire - and devoted his life to it. During his 18-year crusade, he endured ridicule, vilification and scorn but remained undaunted. He was inspired by God's amazing grace. And he ultimately succeeded.

Today, God's grace visits us again.

In Miami, Amillia Sonja Taylor captured the hearts of millions and the attention of doctors with her courage, strength and zest for life. Born at 21 weeks and six days, she weighed only 10 ounces and was 9.5 inches long - about the size of a ballpoint pen.

Last week, she was brought home by her doting family weighing four and a half pounds. The world's youngest baby ever to survive, little Amillia has moved the threshold of viability in the ongoing fight to protect the unborn.

"She's truly a miracle baby," said Dr. William Smalling, M.D., neonatologist, Baptist Children's Hospital.

"It may be that we need to reconsider our standard for viability in light of Amillia's case," said Dr. Smalling. "Over the years, the technology that we have available to save these premature babies has improved dramatically. Today, we can save babies that would have never survived 10 years ago."

What good are our other rights if we are allowed to be murdered in utero for the sake of convenience?