Pro-Life Teen Campaigns for State Legislature

A pro-life teenager has won the GOP primary for a seat in the Montana state house.

18-year-old Kaitlyn Ruch is a candidate for Montana’s House District 84. The district encompasses suburbs outside the state capital of Helena. Ruch is the founder and president of Helena Students for Life.

The abortion issue is personal for Ruch. Her campaign website explains:

Every human life is precious and deserving of protection in law. I am proud to have seen the progress made in the 2021 Legislative session with protecting Life, but there is still more work to be done. As a young female, I am the target market of the abortion industry. While anyone can do a great job at bringing Pro-Life legislation onto the floor of our state house, my unique perspective as a young, adopted, Montana woman, will help push this life-saving legislation above and beyond. 

Students for Life of America hailed Ruch’s win as a victory for the post-Roe generation, stating: “Kaitlyn’s life is a powerful witness to the value of all human life regardless of the circumstances of their conception and birth. Her mother chose life despite severe poverty and drug addiction. She was born with near fatal medical issues due to her mother’s addictions. However, she was adopted by a caring family and not only did Kaitlyn survive she has thrived because of her mother’s sacrificial and loving choice of adoption. Her life is a testament to the fact that every person, regardless of their circumstances is valuable and deserves the ability to overcome life’s difficulties instead of being sacrificed because of them.”

Montana’s House District 84 is currently served by Rep. Mary Ann Dunwell (D), who is term-limited. In the general election, Ruch will face Democratic candidate Jill Cohenour, who has previously served in Montana’s state house and senate. During her time in office, Cohenour received 100% ratings from NARAL Pro-Choice Montana.

The general election will take place on November 8, 2022. Although Ruch faces an uphill battle as a young, first-time candidate, she has a positive attitude, stating: “While I am only 18 years old and have never run for elected office before, I view that as an advantage. Our political system isn’t working for so many people, meanwhile the same politicians continue to get elected over and over again while only serving their own interests. I am able to step into the job on day 1 and bring a fresh perspective to the Montana Legislature. I feel that it’s unfair for me to complain about issues in the state if I’m not willing to get involved myself.”

[Photo credit: Students for Life of America]