Oaks gave a speech entitled “Protect Our Children.” Elder Oaks said: “From the perspective of the plan of salvation, one of the greatest abuses of children is denying them birth. This is a worldwide trend. The national birth rate in the United States is the lowest it has been in 25 years, and in most European and Asian countries birth rates have been below replacement levels for many years. This is not just a religious issue. As emerging generations decline in number, cultures and even nations are hollowed out and eventually disappear.” Elder Oaks goes on to say: “One of the causes of the declining birth rate is the practice of abortion. It is estimated that more than 40 million abortions occur worldwide each year. Many laws allow and even promote abortion, but for us this is a great evil. There is a tragic irony in the multitude of children eliminated or injured before birth, while crowds of infertile couples yearn to seek children to adopt.” We know that the Plan of Salvation includes marriage, children, and eternal families. As members of this great church, we must respect His