Rising Support for Abortion at Christian Colleges Post-Roe v. Wade Overturn
Support for abortion has surged among Christian colleges in the U.S. since the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022, according to a recent report by Students for Life of America’s Demetree Institute for Pro-Life Advancement. This shift, especially concerning institutions previously aligned with Christian values, raises questions about the influence of abortion rights on faith-based educational environments.
Why It Matters
The findings of this report are significant, highlighting a stark cultural shift within institutions that historically hold pro-life values. With over one in seven Christian colleges having ties to the abortion industry, the implications extend beyond campus communities to broader societal debates surrounding faith, morality, and reproductive rights.
Key Developments
- A study identified 725 Christian schools and analyzed their online resources related to abortion.
- Support for abortion on these campuses surged by nearly 20% following the Supreme Court’s decision, rising to 38% in 2024.
- More than 26% of infractions were linked to references to Planned Parenthood as a "health resource."
- American University topped the list of institutions with infractions, including a controversial program on reproductive health.
- Duke University and Southern Methodist University (SMU) were also flagged for numerous infractions, particularly around portraying abortion as a healthcare option.
- Students for Life Action’s president asserted that a genuine Christian stance should oppose abortion outright, creating tension between institutional branding and actions.
Full Report
Institutional Findings
The IPA’s report detailed "infractions," which refer to any association with abortion providers like Planned Parenthood. These ties ranged from hosting internship opportunities to outright support for abortion access in school communications. Schools were graded on an A+ to F scale:
- A+: No support for abortion, actively promoting pro-life resources.
- A: No support but not actively promoting alternatives.
- F: Four or more infractions.
American University, historically Methodist, was highlighted as a leading offender, recording 34 infractions for endorsing programs that support reproductive health initiatives and resources aimed at accessing abortion.
Duke University, which aligns with its Methodist heritage, received a failing grade for discussions framing abortion as healthcare, while SMU also featured prominently with a webpage listing numerous abortion-related resources.
Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life Action, emphasized the inconsistency between these institutions’ claims of Christian values and their actual practices, suggesting a growing disconnect between affiliated values and institutional actions.
Institutional Responses
Some institutions faced criticism regarding their rankings but responded by affirming their commitment to their founding values. Villanova University, celebrated for its Catholic heritage, was also marked with infractions for offering connections to pro-abortion organizations on official platforms.
Notably, amidst a landscape of growing concern, 66 schools managed to improve to an A+ rating, reflecting a conscious effort to align more closely with pro-life principles.
Context & Previous Events
The report’s findings come in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision in June 2022 that overturned the longstanding Roe v. Wade ruling, leading to heightened discussions about reproductive rights and their intersections with faith-based institutions. In 2024, the landscape surrounding abortion rights continues to evolve, influencing the policies and values espoused by educational institutions across the country.
This study underscores an essential dialogue on how Christian colleges navigate their mission statements and their practical implementations surrounding one of America’s most contentious issues.
