Regan was pro-life and wanted to harken back to the Roe v Wade decision. So, he chose to place National Sanctity of Human Life Day on the 11-year anniversary of the case. The Supreme Court ruled in 1973 that the United States Constitution protects a pregnant woman’s right to choose to have an abortion. On January 22, 1973, the decision was made by a vote of seven to two. The ruling was called Roe vs Wade. Prior to the court's decision, pro-life and pro-choice groups advocated their positions. In 1984, President Reagan supported restrictions on abortion. Several Supreme Court Cases in the late 1980s and 1990s challenged Roe v. Wade and other rulings regarding abortion. Additionally, states took action if Roe v. Wade was ever overturned – either writing legislation that mimics Roe v. Wade or setting limits or restrictions on abortions within their own state lines.

Celebration of Life Day is celebrated annually January 22!

Celebration of Life Day was originally called National Sanctity of Human Life Day and was proclaimed in January 1984 by Ronald Regan.