Support for Abortion Rises at U.S. Christian Colleges

A recent report from the Demetree Institute for Pro-Life Advancement (IPA) reveals a notable increase in support for abortion among Christian colleges in the U.S. since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. The IPA analyzed 725 Christian institutions, defined as those associated with Christ-centered denominations, and examined their websites for abortion-related content.

In this analysis, they found that approximately 1 in 7 schools had ties to the abortion industry. The study indicated that, after the Supreme Court’s decision, support for abortion on these campuses surged by almost 20%, climbing to 38% by 2024.

Interestingly, more than 26% of these “violations” reported involved referrals to Planned Parenthood, often citing it as a “health resource.” Some schools not only provided resources for students seeking abortion services but also offered internships with abortion providers.

The institutions were rated from A+ to F. To achieve an A+, a school must not support abortion and actively promote pro-life resources. A school earns an F with four or more violations.

In light of these findings, Kristan Hawkins, the president of Students for Life Action, stated, “You can’t be a Christian and be pro-abortion.” She emphasized that professing faith implies a responsibility toward the sanctity of life.

Among the most cited offenders is American University in Washington, D.C. Although it’s linked to the Methodist Church, the university claims it lacks a formal Christian affiliation. The IPA identified 34 violations at this university, with one of the more alarming being a spring break program titled “Youth Empowerment and Reproductive Health.”

There’s also a dedicated “reproductive justice” page that indicates an effort to provide abortion resources while acknowledging the disproportionate impact of such issues on marginalized communities.

Duke University, another historically Methodist institution, also tops the list of offenders, recognizing both its Methodist foundation and its current practices that permit abortion-related discussions in what they term “medical care.” Similarly, Southern Methodist University faced scrutiny with 14 violations, showcasing its commitment to both educational freedom and Methodist values.

Despite some schools expressing frustration over their ratings, Hawkins hinted that receiving these grades might encourage them to align more closely with their declared pro-life principles. Positive trends were noted as well, with 66 institutions improving to an A+ rating in the latest evaluations.

Success stories included several schools actively distancing themselves from Planned Parenthood, highlighting individual progress toward pro-life commitments. However, major institutions like Duke, SMU, and Villanova remained silent when approached for comments regarding the report’s findings.