Steve Karlen’s courageous testimony has inspired audiences in all 50 states, raising record amounts through a heartfelt and direct financial appeal.

Steve has always been pro-life, but, like many people, he never really did anything about it. All of that changed when his wife found out that a friend was pregnant—and planning to have an abortion.

Worried and not sure what to do, they offered support, empowering her to make a life decision for her baby. Steve and his wife scheduled a dinner with their friend, but she never showed up. Instead, she had an abortion…while they sat waiting for her. At that moment, Steve realized it wasn’t enough for him to be pro-life; he had to do something about it.

Shortly after getting involved in his community’s 40 Days for Life campaign, Steve found himself at the center of a nationwide controversy. The health system at his alma mater, the University of Wisconsin, was secretly preparing to open a late-term abortion center on campus, and groups across the state looked to him for leadership.

Steve got involved in the pro-life movement as a volunteer leader with the 40 Days for Life campaign in Madison, Wisconsin. Before long, he found himself at the center of a nationwide controversy as the health system at his alma mater, the University of Wisconsin, was secretly preparing to open a late-term abortion center on campus. Groups across the state looked to him for leadership. After nearly a year and a half, the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics abandoned its plan to open an abortion facility, citing Steve and his team as the reason for the decision.

Steve now serves as the campaign director for 40 Days for Life, where he trains and assists local 40 Days for Life campaign leaders, co-hosts the 40 Days for Life Podcast, and edits 40 Days for Life’s Day 41 magazine. He has spoken in all 50 states; Washington, DC; four Canadian provinces; and Mexico City. Steve is the author of the book This is When We Begin to Fight. Steve lives in Madison with his wife and five children.