The Pro-Life Movement is Faltering and Women are to Blame

The pro-life movement, despite decades of activism, legal battles, and cultural shifts, has not yet achieved the sweeping change it seeks. While there have been notable victories, such as the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the progress has often been slow, fragmented, and insufficient. One key reason for this stagnation is that the movement, while driven by many passionate women, is too often led by them. For the pro-life cause to truly succeed, men must step up and take a more prominent role in leading the charge.

There is no denying that women have been essential to the pro-life movement. They are the mothers, the activists, and the voices that often bear the brunt of the emotional and physical labor in the fight for life. Their courage, dedication, and resilience are critical, and the movement would be nowhere without them. But the reality is that abortion is not only a women’s issue—it's a societal issue, one that involves the participation of both men and women. Until men recognize their own stake in this fight, the movement will remain incomplete.

The issue of abortion has long been framed as a debate about women’s rights and bodily autonomy. While these concerns are valid and significant, this framing has contributed to a cultural divide, with men often sidelined in the conversation. In a world where men have historically been the primary decision-makers in society, it is odd and troubling that the pro-life movement has not fully embraced the role of men as protectors of life. The conversation surrounding abortion is overwhelmingly centered around women’s voices, and many men have taken a passive stance, thinking the issue doesn’t directly concern them. This disconnect is problematic because the decision to have an abortion is not made in a vacuum—it is often influenced by the decisions, actions, and support of men.

The truth is, men are just as responsible for the lives of children as women are. Fathers play an irreplaceable role in the formation of life and the nurturing of children. Yet, for too long, men have not been encouraged to take ownership of this responsibility in the context of the pro-life movement. Fathers, partners, and even potential fathers should be more vocal and active in supporting the protection of unborn children. Without a strong male voice, the message of the pro-life movement risks being reduced to a one-sided, gendered issue, rather than a broader moral argument that affects all people.

The lack of male leadership in the pro-life movement also hinders its cultural impact. For true progress to be made, the pro-life stance must be seen as a responsibility shared by both men and women. The influence of men, especially in the realms of politics, media, and social culture, can shift the conversation and help reclaim the moral high ground. Men, particularly those in positions of authority, must step forward—not just as supporters, but as leaders. When men publicly declare their pro-life beliefs, it challenges the prevailing narrative that abortion is only a matter of women’s rights. It affirms that protecting life is a universal value, one that transcends gender and social status.

Moreover, men have an important role to play in reversing the cultural and political forces that have shaped the abortion debate for decades. Too often, men have been content to let women take the lead, afraid of being branded as controlling or out of touch with modern views on gender. This fear must be overcome. The pro-life movement is not about controlling women—it’s about protecting the sanctity of life. Men who truly value life, who see the unborn as worthy of protection, must be unafraid to speak out and challenge the status quo. This requires men to shed any insecurities about being perceived as “anti-women” and embrace their responsibility as protectors of all life, including the most vulnerable.

For the pro-life cause to gain the momentum it needs, men must take ownership of the fight for the unborn. This does not mean women should step aside; rather, it means men must step forward with courage and conviction. Men can serve as role models for younger generations, showing them that true masculinity is not about dominance or self-interest, but about responsibility, sacrifice, and defending those who cannot defend themselves. As fathers, husbands, and brothers, men can provide the leadership necessary to propel the pro-life movement forward and ensure that it is a cause for everyone.

Ultimately, the pro-life movement needs the leadership of both men and women to succeed. The fight to protect life is not just a women’s issue—it is a moral imperative that belongs to us all. If men rise to the occasion, the movement can gain the cultural, social, and political support it needs to end the tragedy of abortion once and for all. It’s time for men to step up and lead. The unborn are counting on us.