OKLAHOMA CITY – House Majority Leader Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City, today issued the following statement recognizing Rose Day, Feb. 8, 2023, which supports the right to life of the unborn.

"Every year, people supporting the sanctity of life in the womb gather at the State Capitol to distribute roses to remind legislators and others of the importance of protecting children from the moment of their creation," West said. "I'm grateful to those who remind us that there is no more precious gift than the life of a child. I'm honored and humbled to be among those who establish policies to protect our children at every stage of their development."

West is mother to three children. Last year, she authored House Resolution 1041, which stated, "the right to life of the unborn is one of the great public policy issues of our day, both for the American people and for Oklahomans of whatever political philosophy or persuasion."

Rose Day is held each year at the beginning of the legislative session, drawing hundreds who support the lives of unborn babies. They distribute roses, each symbolizing the life of an unborn child, to legislators and other government officials.

This year, a rally in the Oklahoma House of Representatives' Chamber followed the rose distribution. The keynote speaker was Ashley Bratcher, an award-winning actress most recognized for her role as the star of the movie, Unplanned, based on a true story that chronicles the transformation of a Planned Parenthood clinic director to pro-life advocate.