Wagner Calls for Courage and Compassion in Defense of Life in Right to Life Keynote

CALEDONIA, Mich. — At the Focus on Life 2026 Annual Benefit Dinner, Professor William Wagner emphasized that vulnerable human life requires both moral courage and sacrificial compassion. Wagner, WFFC Distinguished Chair for Faith & Freedom at Spring Arbor University, delivered the keynote “When Healing Becomes Killing: The Sanctity of Human Life, the Conscience of a Nation, and the Future of American Liberty.” Drawing upon Scripture and America’s constitutional foundations, he explained that human dignity is endowed by the Creator, not conferred by government or diminished by illness, disability, or dependence.

“Our worth is not measured by what we can accomplish. It is established by the One who created us,” Wagner said.

He examined Michigan proposals concerning physician-assisted killing, warning against transforming medicine’s healing mission into authority to intentionally end human life. He emphasized freedom of conscience for medical professionals and the distinction between compassionate end-of-life care and intentionally causing death.

“When human beings become most vulnerable, our obligation is not to make their deaths more accessible, but to make our love, protection, and care more certain,” he said.

The address concluded with a standing ovation. Wagner’s closing appeal underscored the responsibility shared by everyone present: standing beside frightened mothers, protecting unborn children, supporting people with disabilities, and refusing to abandon suffering patients or elderly neighbors.

His message joined an uncompromising defense of innocent life with a call to demonstrate Christ’s love through practical care and faithful service, building a culture that welcomes and protects every human being.

Hosted by Caledonia/Middleville Area Right to Life, the gathering featured John Bursch, Alliance Defending Freedom’s vice president of appellate advocacy, as master of ceremonies. Amber Roseboom, president of Right to Life of Michigan, offered an engaging update on the organization’s work.