Bernadette Smyth - Top 10 Pro-Life Women
Precious Life are delighted to share wonderful news with you. We join with pro-life advocates around the world in congratulating our Founder and Director, Bernadette Smyth, on being named among the Top 10 Pro-Life Women globally in the New Year edition of The Catholic Herald.
The Catholic Herald, a respected and longstanding voice in Catholic journalism since 1888, is renowned for its in-depth reporting, thoughtful analysis, and global perspective on matters of faith, culture, and moral significance. To be recognised by such a publication is a powerful affirmation of the importance, and urgency, of the work Bernadette and the wider pro-life movement continue to undertake.
The Catholic Herald describes Bernadette Smyth as "..the face of the pro-life movement in Northern Ireland..." and since founding "...the region’s largest pro-life organisation ...she has worked tirelessly to protect women and unborn children from abortion."
It was back in 1997 when Bernadette Smyth first saw an image of an aborted baby. Horrified by what she had seen and determined not to let abortion happen to other babies, she founded Precious Life, which is now Ireland’s largest pro-life group and the only group actively working on the streets every day.
Since then, she has been actively opposing abortion by lobbying politicians, challenging legislation in the courts, and informing the public through Street Outreach and Pro-Life Road Shows.
Bernadette is also co-founder of the All Ireland Rally For Life and founder of pregnancy care clinic Stanton Healthcare Belfast. Under Bernadette’s powerful leadership, Precious Life has, for over 28 years, been fighting abortion ...through the government ...in the courts ...and on the streets.
Her work has been influenced by the leadership of the late Pope John Paul II, particularly his call to build a culture of life, and by US Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.'s example, which highlighted the power of moral courage in social change.
Bernadette’s campaign for justice for the unborn is grounded in faith and determination. With prayer and action, she believes that one day laws will be enacted around the world that recognise the personhood and sacredness of every human life.
The Catholic Herald concluded with a quote from Bernadette's speech when she addressed the All-Ireland Rally for Life in 2025 - "...we will never be silent until abortion becomes illegal and unthinkable in Ireland once again."
This prestigious recognition places Bernadette alongside nine other remarkable women who are courageously championing the pro-life message across the world. The Catholic Herald feature titled "Ten Women Championing the Pro-Life Message" highlights female leaders whose voices, actions, and unwavering commitment are making a profound impact in defense of human dignity.
We also warmly congratulate the other women named in the Top 10 list, each of whom brings her own voice and strength to this vital cause:
Isabel Vaughan-Spruce (UK)
Eden McCourt (UK)
Katie Ascough (Ireland)
Joanna Howe (Australia)
Obianuju Ekeocha (Nigeria)
Lenise Garcia (Brazil)
Adélaïde Pouchol (France)
Abby Johnson (United States)
Lila Rose** (United States)
Despite repeated accusations that the pro-life movement is "anti women", it is in fact led by women from a wide range of backgrounds, united in their conviction that every human life has value.
Together, these women represent a powerful global witness to truth, compassion, and the unshakeable belief that every human life has value.
Bernadette Smyth’s inclusion in this list is a testament to her tireless advocacy, fearless leadership, and lifelong dedication to defending unborn children and supporting women in crisis. We are immensely proud that her work, carried out with such integrity and compassion here at home, is being recognised on the global stage.
Once again, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Bernadette and to all those honoured in this list. Their courage inspires us, strengthens our resolve, and reminds us that standing up for life truly can change the world.