Ever since the Golden Gate Bridge opened in 1937, people have been jumping off it to their deaths, about 1,200 to date. After eight decades of debate, the board of the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District approved funds last month to a "suicide barrier"—a steel-cable safety net that will run the east and west lengths of the bridge—at a cost of $76 million.

The non-profit Bridge Rail Foundation has one simple goal—to install a safety net on the Golden Gate Bridge and stop the suicides. Paul Muller, a spokesman for the organization, expressed what motivates them to save lives: "It's important to understand the value of the lives lost. Those who jump are often doctors, lawyers, teachers, people who can contribute a great deal to society. Saving them means adding to our community."

Update: As of January 1, 2024, the Golden Gate Bridge now has a continuous physical suicide barrier installed the full length of the 1.7-mile span. The suicide deterrent system, also known as the net, has been installed on the east and west sides of approximately 95% of the Bridge. In some areas of the Bridge, due to ongoing construction or design factors, vertical fencing is in place instead of or in addition to the net.

Possible Preaching Angles: Abortion; National Sanctity of Life Sunday—Paul Muller's quote also applies perfectly to the lives of the unborn, especially these two lines: "It's important to understand the value of the lives lost … Saving them means adding to our community."