Students for Life of America (SFLA) President Kristan Hawkins called out the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity for its tone-deaf decision to honor former Senator Dick Durbin with a “Lifetime Achievement Award” at the upcoming Keep Hope Alive benefit on Monday, November 3, 2025.
The award, set to be presented by Cardinal Blase Cupich, has sparked backlash due to Durbin’s long-standing support for abortion policies that directly contradict Catholic teaching.
In response, SFLA is mobilizing students and leaders to join Illinois Right to Life’s protest on the day of the benefit and urging the pro-life community to sign our petition—addressed to key decision-makers, including the Cardinal, the Head of the Office for Human Dignity & Solidarity, and the Auxiliary Bishops—calling for the award to be rescinded.
TAKE ACTION: Contact Cardinal Cupich and tell him to rescind Senator Dick Durbin’s award. Or call 312-534-8200.
“There is no way to reconcile the Catholic faith with active political support for abortion,” said Hawkins. “A ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ from the Archdiocese should recognize those who courageously defend the dignity of every human person, especially the most vulnerable. Honoring Senator Durbin, whose legacy includes support for policies that deny dignity and Life to preborn children, is a grave misjudgment.”
Senator Durbin’s record in Congress is marked by consistent support for pro-abortion legislation, including votes against restrictions on partial-birth abortions and late-term abortions after 20 weeks, around four and a half months pregnant. These positions are in direct contradiction to Catholic teachings on the sanctity of human Life and the dignity of preborn children.
