Episode Summary

Overview

Podcast: Victor Davis Hanson: In His Own Words
Episode: Abortion Isn’t Health Care: Why Retreating Now Betrays GOP Principles
Date: January 22, 2026
Host: Jack Fowler (filling in for Victor Davis Hanson)
Guest: Chuck Donovan, pro-life leader and co-president of the Science Alliance for Life and Technology (SALT)

This special episode, marking the 53rd anniversary of Roe v. Wade, features an in-depth conversation with Chuck Donovan, a veteran of the pro-life movement. The discussion traverses the history, politics, and future of the pro-life cause, exposing cultural shifts, political betrayals, misuse of science, and the pervasiveness of the so-called "culture of death." Donovan and Fowler critically examine recent changes in the approach to abortion and euthanasia in the U.S. and abroad, emphasizing the need for principled, scientifically grounded, and hopeful advocacy for life.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Origins and Evolution of the Pro-Life Movement (00:00–07:12)

• The pro-life movement began as a diverse, aspirational coalition, crossing political, racial, and religious lines.
  • Early champions included unexpected voices such as Jesse Jackson and Dick Gregory.
  • “The pro life movement in the early days was, by our standards, incredibly diverse.” – Chuck Donovan (05:39)
• The Hyde Amendment (1976) marked a pivotal legislative moment, initially enjoying significant bipartisan support.
• Early advocacy groups like Americans United for Life and figures like Henry Hyde shaped the movement’s political and legal strategies.

Notable Quote

“I think people would be shocked to learn or remember that one of the first votes on [the Hyde Amendment] that summer was on an amendment by Democrat Dan Flood of Pennsylvania…107 House Democrats voted for it.” – Chuck Donovan (05:56)

2. Margaret Sanger, Eugenics, and Planned Parenthood’s Troubled History (07:24–09:10)

• Donovan discusses his book "Blessed Are the Baron," highlighting Planned Parenthood’s eugenicist roots, especially via Margaret Sanger’s Negro Project.
• Sanger sought to recruit Black leaders to a movement originally dominated by white activists, while pursuing deeply problematic ideas about “genetic inferiority.”
• Planned Parenthood’s approach has failed to resolve fundamental ethical and social issues around abortion.

Notable Quote

“[Sanger] was a negative eugenicist…She was in favor, though, of eliminating anyone she thought was genetically inferior…she realized she had a very lily white movement. She wanted to attract black leaders to her cause.” – Chuck Donovan (07:51)

3. The Hyde Amendment, Political Flexibility, and Trump’s Comments (09:10–18:28)

• Recent political discourse, especially Donald Trump’s call for “flexibility” on the Hyde Amendment, has shocked and disappointed many pro-life advocates.
• Bill McGurn’s criticism of Trump’s stance underscores the sense of betrayal within the movement.
• Donovan emphasizes that the Hyde Amendment, far from being mere symbolism, has saved an estimated 2.65 million lives.
  • “Abortion isn’t health care. And when President Trump signals retreat…Hyde Amendment is founding Republicanism. They want to run away from it, the pro life voter has no reason not to run away from the GOP.” – Chuck Donovan (15:20)

Key Segment

• [13:20–18:28] — Detailed breakdown of the Hyde Amendment’s origins, significance, Trump’s shift, and the policy’s legacy.

4. The Widening Culture of Death: Euthanasia, Assisted Suicide, and Societal Attitudes (18:28–23:49)

• Donavan addresses the escalation of euthanasia and assisted suicide, labeling contemporary culture a “culture of death.”
• Cites Canada as a grim example, where euthanasia ranks as a leading cause of death and is being expanded to those with mental illness.
• Highlights the impact of policy shifts resulting from societal secularism and the declining value placed on suffering and care for the vulnerable.

Notable Quotes

“We have begun to see…the reapings of this culture of death that we’ve embraced. And it’s incredibly powerful.” – Chuck Donovan (20:30)
“They claim to care for diversity, for inclusion, but…the failure of many of their social policies leads them to think…‘It’s going to be cheaper to deal with poverty and healthcare costs this way.’” – Chuck Donovan (22:10)

5. Science, Eugenics, and the New Frontiers of Pro-Life Advocacy (25:29–28:51)

• Donovan outlines the mission of SALT (Science Alliance for Life and Technology), targeting the misuse of science in bioethics.
• Warns of the new era of “Gattaca-style” genetic selection and the explosion of embryo discarding in IVF processes.
  • Highlights the chilling example of Zhu Bo, a businessman using U.S. surrogacy laws to create genetically selected children for corporate reasons.
• Critiques the emerging “designer baby” industry and its ethical perils.

Notable Quotes

“Now we have something much more massive on the horizon…multiple major businesses out there now doing Gattaca-style genetic screening to pick the best babies. Well, best babies according to what?” – Chuck Donovan (27:15) “270 million estimated human lives had been destroyed in the process of pursuing in vitro fertilization because we’re picking the ones we think we’re picking the ones that will be the best. The rest get discarded.” – Chuck Donovan (28:07)

6. The Abortion Pill: The New Battleground (31:43–34:45)

• The rapid spread of chemical abortions (“abortion pill”) now accounts for over 70% of U.S. abortions, with little medical oversight or psychological support.
• Donovan calls the abortion pill a “poison pill” that endangers not only unborn life but also women’s health—physically and mentally.
• Criticizes the lack of scientific and policy attention to the real risks and mental health consequences for women.

Notable Quotes

“The abortion pill is destroying about 70% or more of a million babies each year. The numbers are up, not down.” – Chuck Donovan (31:52) “...the abortion experience has been turned to something that the woman herself is procuring. We’re not even looking at the mental health implications of that realization...It’s the very antithesis of what medical care should be.” – Chuck Donovan (33:12)

7. Rediscovering Awe and the Science of Life (34:45–36:02)

• Donovan references scientific visualizations of fertilization and early development, underlining the marvel and dignity of human life from the earliest stages.
• Encourages a shift from “merchants of despair” to “merchants of hope,” emphasizing that science and compassion are on the side of life.

Notable Quotes

“There is that spark at the beginning of life…even at the two-cell stage there’s some differentiation underway. This is no ordinary process. This is a marvel. It’s beyond human comprehension, and we’ve lost our sense of awe.” – Chuck Donovan (35:15) “We are not dour haters of the human race. We are people who think that life can thrive because it’s precious in every day.” – Chuck Donovan (34:39)

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• “Hyde was a thing of ingenuity. It was a thing of compromise…” (13:07) – Jack Fowler
• “The Hyde Amendment saves lives. It’s not just symbolism for conscience, although it is that. It has saved 2.65 million human lives…” (14:46) – Chuck Donovan
• “Canada will allow [euthanasia] for mental illness. That’s a particularly grievous one for me because it had some impact my extended family…Those folks need protection. They don’t need to be encouraged to give up.” (22:38) – Chuck Donovan
• “We have to be the merchants of hope. The abortion industry is the merchant of despair…” (34:32) – Chuck Donovan

Calls to Action and Final Reflections (36:02–37:05)

• Listeners are encouraged to visit and support the Science Alliance for Life and Technology.
• A hopeful conclusion: Life is a wonderful choice—rooted in science, ethics, and compassion.

Timestamps by Main Topics

| Timestamp | Segment / Topic | |------------------ |--------------------------------------------------------| | 00:00–07:12 | Early diversity and evolution of the pro-life movement | | 07:24–09:10 | Margaret Sanger, eugenics, and Planned Parenthood | | 13:20–18:28 | Hyde Amendment legacy & Trump’s comments | | 18:28–23:49 | Euthanasia, assisted suicide, and culture shifts | | 25:29–28:51 | Science, eugenics, and the mission of SALT | | 31:43–34:45 | The abortion pill and new threats to life | | 34:45–36:02 | Rediscovering scientific awe; hope for the future |

Tone & Delivery

The conversation is earnest, reflective, and deeply grounded in both historical context and contemporary concern. Donovan’s words mix sharp critique of policies and trends with personal conviction, compassion, and a rare sense of moral hopefulness.

This summary captures the full breadth and spirit of the discussion, offering a clear guide to the episode’s themes, arguments, and key voices for both pro-life advocates and anyone seeking an overview of current debates surrounding abortion, policy, and American values.