Sen. Josh Hawley Launches “Declaration for Life” Pledge Targeting Abortion Policy

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) introduced a “Declaration for Life” pledge at the first Missouri Prayer Breakfast, held in the historic Kennedy Caucus Room of the Russell Senate Office Building. More than 30 pastors drafted the four-page declaration, which was signed by over 100 Missouri pastors and 50,000 citizens. The pledge calls on political candidates of both parties to commit publicly to “protecting human life in law” and to oppose “chemical abortion,” specifically the drug mifepristone.

The Hill

In March, Hawley introduced a bill that would withdraw the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of mifepristone for abortions and deem its distribution and labeling a violation of the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The proposal has attracted at least seven Republican co-sponsors but, according to Hawley, has seen limited discussion within the Senate GOP conference.

The Hill

Family Research Council president Tony Perkins and Christian singer-activist Sean Feucht joined Hawley in unveiling the pledge. Perkins argued that the Republican National Committee’s removal of a national abortion ban from its 2024 platform created a “vacuum” that faith leaders must fill. He likened the pledge to the 1990s-2000s Taxpayer Protection Pledge championed by Grover Norquist, suggesting it could become a standard tool for holding officeholders accountable on abortion-related votes, such as restricting mifepristone or ending federal funding for Planned Parenthood.

The Hill

The declaration itself asserts that the Supreme Court’s 2022 reversal of *Roe v. Wade* did not end abortion and that the drug’s availability has increased abortions. Perkins pledged that his organization will circulate the declaration to make it a benchmark for pro-life candidates.

The Hill

• “We think that this declaration written by pastors calling on spiritual leaders and everyday Christians across America to stand for life and to confront the scourge of chemical abortion is so critical on this 250th anniversary,” — Sen. Josh Hawley — Sen. Josh Hawley

The Hill