June 12, 2026

We kindly correct the record…

Below, we invite you to read Serrin’s recent letter to the editor of The Federalist.

In her May 29 article, “There Is No Such Thing as Pro-Life Feminism,” Carrie Gress argues that pro-life feminism is a contradiction. We respectfully disagree.

The American suffrage movement began after women were barred from participating in the 1840 World Anti-Slavery Convention. Despite this, they recognized the inherent worth of all human beings. They fought for slaves to be free, women to vote, and our right to life.

Seeing the upcoming threat to women and children by abortion advocates, Feminists for Life of America was founded a year before Roe v. Wade. We had no idea that the first wave was also pro-life until the great suffrage leader Alice Paul told our co-founder Pat Goltz. Soon after, FFL researchers revealed a wealth of documentation clearly expressing their opposition to abortion.

Over time, many have come to associate feminism primarily with support for abortion. We believe that understanding overlooks a longstanding tradition of feminists who advocated both for women’s rights and for the protection of every human life.

FFL remains dedicated to freeing women from abortion through resources and support. Our efforts include advocacy on Capitol Hill and on campuses across the country to systematically eliminate the reasons that drive women to abortion and provide practical solutions through our Women Deserve Better helpsite. All we have done in over half a century has been done in support of motherhood.

FFL has consistently welcomed men and honored fathers as essential partners in supporting women and children.

FFL has never “canonized” the early pro-life suffragists. We recognize that, like our forefathers, we are all flawed human beings. Still, we can find inspiration from both revolutions that expanded the rights of human beings.

As people of goodwill often reach different conclusions on these issues, we would simply note that Saint John Paul the Great’s vision of a “new feminism” in Evangelium Vitae, (the Gospel of Life), has inspired many pro-life women, including members of our movement.

No one group, no one faith, no single strategy has been successful at reaching everyone, or we wouldn’t still be having this debate. But together we hope to collectively bring about a day when mothers are supported, fathers are honored, and every child is welcomed and loved.

Because women deserve better and every child deserves life and love,

Serrin M. Foster
President