Is the Pro-Life Movement Getting It Wrong?

About this episode

Robert Bortins discusses the differences between the pro-life movement and a biblical abolitionist framework with guest Pate Anglin.

What does it actually mean to abolish abortion — not just restrict it? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric , host Robert Bortins sits down with Classical Conversations graduate and Students for Abolition president Pate Anglin to discuss why a biblical abolitionist framework goes further than the mainstream pro-life movement — and how student chapters across 8 states are taking that fight to college campuses, state capitals, and beyond. Pate Anglin grew up in a homeschooling household shaped by classical education, faith, and the intentional discipleship of his parents — and he credits that foundation with preparing him for what he encountered at East Tennessee State University. Entering college in 2021 on a full-ride leadership scholarship, Pate quickly found himself navigating pronoun mandates, ideological pressure, and a campus culture hostile to a biblical worldview. Rather than retreating, he leaned in — and what started as a small group of young men praying in a dorm room became Students for Abolition, a rapidly growing network now active on 14 campuses across 7 states and into Canada. In this conversation, Robert and Pate dig into what truly separates the abolitionist…

People in this episode

Host: Robert Bortins

Guest: Pate Anglin

Topics covered

• pro-life movement
• abolition of abortion
• biblical worldview
• classical education
• student activism
• ideological pressure

Keywords

• abolition
• pro-life
• abortion
• Christianity
• student activism
• classical education
• ideological pressure

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Students for Abolition

Places: East Tennessee State University, Canada, 8 states, 14 campuses

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