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For generations, the Catholic University of Notre Dame has proudly stood for life, from conception to natural death. Recently, however, the University appointed a pro-abortion professor to lead its Asian studies institute, drawing scrutiny.
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From Fox News:
The University of Notre Dame announced it has appointed a professor who has publicly supported abortion access to lead its Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies — a move that has drawn scrutiny given the school’s Catholic identity.
Susan Ostermann, who joined Notre Dame in 2017 as a global affairs professor, will assume her role as director of the Asian studies center in July, the university said.
In 2022, Ostermann co-authored an article titled, “Lies about abortion have dictated our health policy,” with former Notre Dame professor Tamara Kay.
In their article, both Ostermann and Kay wrote that “there are no babies or fetuses” present during the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. They also wrote that abortion is “safe,” that it “does not have long-term effects on physical or mental health,” and that the infamous abortion pills mifepristone and misoprostol “are safer than taking Tylenol.” In a separate article, the two wrote that “criminalizing abortion results in irreparable harm” and that “abortion access is freedom-enhancing.”
Notre Dame, meanwhile, has long maintained a strong pro-life stance. According to a 2010 statement published on its website, the school, consistent with the teaching of the Catholic Church, “recognizes and upholds the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death.”
In a statement to Fox, Notre Dame alluded to Ostermann’s beliefs, writing that “Those who serve in leadership positions at Notre Dame do so with the clear understanding that their decision-making as leaders must be guided by and consistent with the University’s Catholic mission.” The university also emphasized its pro-life stance in its statement. Meanwhile, Ostermann stressed to Fox that her role “is to support the diverse research of our scholars and students, not to advance a personal political agenda.”
Though Ostermann claims to “respect Notre Dame’s institutional position on the sanctity of life,” her appointment is puzzling. Why would a deeply Catholic university appoint an outspoken advocate of abortion to such an important role? Let’s pray that this school continues to stand boldly for life, and let’s ask God to show Ostermann and others with her beliefs the value of the unborn in His eyes!
What do you think of this appointment? Share your thoughts and prayers below.
(Excerpt from Fox News. Photo Credit: Matthew Rice – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=41085468)