Football coach Jim Harbaugh, an outspoken pro-life advocate, has reached an agreement with the Los Angeles Chargers to become the NFL team’s new head coach.
Harbaugh had been coaching at the collegiate level, and according to NFL.com, “led the University of Michigan to a national championship earlier this month.” Harbaugh has spent the past nine years coaching his alma mater team, but prior to this, he led another NFL team, the San Francisco 49ers, from 2011-2014.
Harbaugh has made no secret about his pro-life views. This year at the March for Life 2024, he introduced former NFL star Benjamin Watson, who was the March’s keynote speaker.
In July of 2022, Harbaugh spoke at a pro-life dinner and fundraiser, speaking about why he has such a profound respect for all human life. As previously reported by Live Action News:
“I believe in having the courage to let the unborn be born,” Harbaugh told the sold-out audience, according to Detroit Catholic. “I love life. I believe in having a loving care and respect for life and death. My faith and my science are what drive these beliefs in me….”
He added in his speech, “There are many things one may hold to be immoral, but the government appropriately allows because of some greater good or personal or constitutional right. Ultimately, I don’t believe that is the case with abortion. Yes, there are conflicts between the legitimate rights of the mother and the rights of the unborn child. One resolution might involve incredible hardship for the mother, family and society. Another results in the death of an unborn person.”
Two years prior, Harbaugh spoke on a National Review podcast during the COVID-19 pandemic, discussing how people in society were suddenly more concerned with protecting human lives. “You see people taking more of a view of sanctity of life. And I hope that can continue. I hope that continues and not just in this time of crisis or pandemic.” But he didn’t leave preborn children out of this equation, adding, “We talk about sanctity of life, yet we live in a society that aborts babies. There can’t be anything more horrendous.”
Harbaugh’s influence and voice have done more than encourage football players and teams. They have encouraged others to take a stand for life, and to value the lives of others.
