What do we mean by secular?

Recently, several people have asked us what we mean by the name Secular Pro-Life. Is our leadership secular, or just advancing secular arguments? Who can join Secular Pro-Life?

Secular Pro-Life is led by secular women. Specifically, it is led by three atheists: Monica Snyder (Executive Director), Kelsey Hazzard (Founder and President of the Board), and Terrisa Bukovinac (Vice President of the Board). Monica, Kelsey, and Terrisa do not believe in the existence of any deity, afterlife, or the supernatural in general.

Of course, “secular” is a broader term than “atheist.” In addition to atheists, secular people may identify as agnostic, anti-theist, “spiritual but not religious,” “nothing in particular,” freethinkers, etc. When we calculate the number of secular pro-lifers in the United States of America, we use the “unaffiliated (religious ‘nones’)” category as that is defined by the Pew Research Center.

Over time, Secular Pro-Life has become a diverse community attracting anyone who opposes abortion and doesn’t feel at home under the “religious right” umbrella. That includes religious adherents who see the value of purely secular arguments against abortion. We are grateful for our many wonderful volunteers who assist with behind-the-scenes tasks; these volunteers come in all stripes, including atheists, agnostics, Christians of various denominations, Jews, Buddhists, Wiccans, and others.

There is no religious litmus test to join Secular Pro-Life, and indeed the very concept of “joining” is rather fluid, as we do not maintain a formal membership roster or request membership dues. We usually speak of Secular Pro-Life “supporters,” and there are many ways and reasons to support the cause. Our work will not end until people of every faith and none reject the violence of abortion.