Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will receive the National Pro-Life Recognition Award for his leadership in defeating Amendment 4, a proposed constitutional amendment that sought to expand access to abortion in Florida.
The award will be presented at the National Prayer Service in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 24, 2025, ahead of the March for Life. South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem and Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen will also be honored for their efforts to protect life in their states, Priests for Life announced in a press release.
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Amendment 4, which would have allowed abortions up to “fetal viability” (around 24 weeks), was rejected by voters in November. Although it received 57% of the vote, it fell short of the required 60% threshold. The defeat preserves Florida’s Heartbeat Protection Act, which prohibits most abortions after six weeks.
DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis actively campaigned to protect life, traveling across the state, meeting with pro-life doctors, and utilizing state resources to oppose the amendment. After the vote, DeSantis declared victory, reaffirming Florida’s commitment to protecting unborn children.
The National Prayer Service, organized by Priests for Life, will honor pro-life leaders from across the country, including those who helped defeat pro-abortion measures or prevent them from appearing on ballots in other states. Frank Pavone, national director of Priests for Life, emphasized that these efforts have enduring value regardless of outcome and vowed to work toward overturning pro-abortion measures that passed in other states.
“No matter the outcome, the work that was done in these battles to educate and mobilize our fellow citizens has lasting value,” Pavone said in the press release announcing the awards. “We will celebrate the victories and we will commit ourselves to undo the amendments that unfortunately did pass. They will not stand.”
The service will take place at DAR Constitution Hall and is co-sponsored by numerous pro-life organizations, including the National Right to Life Committee and the Faith & Freedom Coalition. It will begin with a Catholic Mass at 7:30 a.m., and attendees of the March for Life are encouraged to participate.
Janet Morana, executive director of Priests for Life, stated, “Praying together is the most important thing we can do in the fight for life.”
Priests for Life, a Brevard County-based organization, continues to lead efforts to promote the sanctity of life and defend the unborn. Its founder, Pavone, remains a prominent figure in the pro-life movement. Pavone emphasized the importance of recognizing both victories and ongoing efforts to educate and mobilize Americans in the defense of life.
The recognition of the three governors highlights the determination of pro-life leaders and advocates nationwide to continue the fight against abortion, uphold laws protecting the unborn, and build a culture of life.
LifeNews Note: Louis Knuffke writes for CatholicVote, where this column originally appeared.
