Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- President George W. Bush addressed a large crowd of tens of thousands of pro-life people as they rallied before joining with thousands more pro-life advocates in the annual March for Life. As he has every year during his presidency, Bush phoned the crowd and he told them they need to persuade more people to be pro-life.

"As we move forward, we've all got to remember that a true culture of life cannot be built by changing laws alone," the president said. "We've all got to work hard to change hearts."

"We will find areas where we can agree and, at the same time, work to persuade more of our fellow citizens to join this great cause," Bush said.

The president told the marchers he appreciates their "devotion to such an honorable
cause, and the good work everyone is doing to defend life."

His words were greeted with applause on numerous occasions as people listened to the president's voice booming on a loudspeaker.

"It is important for all Americans to remember that our Declaration of Independence states that every person has the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," Bush said. "We believe every human life has value, and we pray for the day when every child is welcome in life and protected into law."

The president discussed the bills he's signed and the actions his administration has taken to limit the number of abortions, including a ban on partial-birth abortions.

"We promoted adoption, support parental notification laws, ended federal funding for abortions overseas, and are funding crisis pregnancy programs," he said.

"I had the privilege of signing legislation that extends legal protection to children who are born, despite abortion attempts, allows prosecutors to charge those who harm or kill a pregnant woman with harming or killing her unborn child, as well," Bush added.

The president also talked about his veto of a measure that would force taxpayers to pay for embryonic stem cell research that destroys human life.

"I have made it clear to the Congress we must pursue medical advances in the name of life, not at the expense of it," he said.

Bush concluded by encouraging the marchers to "go forth with confidence that a cause rooted in human dignity and appealing to the best instincts of our citizens cannot fail."