Is the Pro-Life Movement Getting It Wrong?

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 position from mainstream pro-life strategy. Pate argues that much of the pro-life movement — though well-intentioned — has unknowingly adopted a humanistic framework, opposing abortion because it "pollutes the water" or "hurts mothers" rather than because it violates God's law. He walks through the abolitionist acronym GATES (Gospel-centered, Aligned through the church, Engaged biblically, Sought immediately) and explains how rooting the argument in Scripture changes everything — including how the law can function as a tool for tutoring society, restraining evil, and even serving as a gateway to the gospel.
They also tackle some of the most contested questions in the movement: Should mothers be criminalized? What would an equal protection bill actually look like in practice? Why do so many pro-life organizations oppose abolition legislation? And why does Students for Abolition intentionally place men in leadership roles on the front lines of this cultural battle?
Whether you're a CC parent wondering how classical education prepares students for the real world, a student looking to get involved, or a Christian trying to think through the abortion issue with more biblical clarity — this episode will challenge and encourage you.

Resources:
Pate's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pateanglin/

Pate's X account: https://x.com/pateanglin

https://studentsforabolition.org/

This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by:
Classical Conversations' new 2026 Product Line

This April, Classical Conversations is launching an exciting portfolio of new products designed to strengthen math fluency, develop critical reasoning skills, and equip families with practical tools for classical, Christian homeschooling. From flashcard resources and reasoning curriculum to hands-on manipulatives and a foundational parent resource, these releases deepen the classical learning journey for families at every level.

Visit ClassicalConversations.com/WhatsNew/ to explore the entire April 2026 product
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