Nearly 70 percent of Americans say they favor "restoring legal protection for unborn children," according to a new poll that pro-life groups say shows public opinion is swinging their way on the abortion issue.

Almost the same number — 66 percent — said they favored nominees to the Supreme Court "who would uphold laws that restore legal protection to unborn children."

These polls reflect a growing pro-life attitude, said Janet Folger, president of Faith2Action, a new outreach organization for pro-life and traditional family issues. "We have the American people standing with us."
     The grass-roots leaders praised President Bush and his administration for their pro-life positions, including proclaiming Sunday as National Sanctity of Human Life Day. "He's done more, practically speaking, than any other president," said Mrs. Rios.
     The sanctity of human life proclamation, issued Tuesday, is the second for Mr. Bush, who is following the tradition of Presidents Reagan and George Bush.
     The six-paragraph document urges Americans to "reaffirm our commitment to respecting the life and dignity of every human being" and to "rededicate ourselves to compassionate service."
     The president acknowledged the significance of the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act he signed last year, which amended the legal definitions of "person," "human being," "child" and "individual" to include any fetus surviving an abortion procedure.