Jim Harbaugh, the head football coach at the University of Michigan, as well as a former NFL head coach and quarterback, recently delivered a keynote speech at a pro-life event. Harbaugh has not shied away from politics throughout the past several years, however, his pro-life stance and activism seems to be the most controversial one with the media and on Twitter. Previously, Harbaugh criticized former quarterback Colin Kaepernick, whom he coached while with the San Francisco 49ers, for kneeling for the national anthem. However, after receiving blowback, Harbaugh welcomed Kaepernick to join him on the sidelines during the Spring Game at Michigan.
Harbaugh and his wife are devout Catholics, and cite their faith as the driving force behind their pro-life views. According to a report in USA Today, the coach delivered his message to the crowd at the Plymouth (MI) Right To Life Event. “In God’s plan, each unborn human truly has a future filled with potential, talent, dreams and love,” Harbaugh said. “I have living proof in my family, my children, and the many thousands that I’ve coached that the unborn are amazing gifts from God to make this world a better place. To me, the right choice is to have the courage to let the unborn be born.”
Abortion has long been a contentious issue in American public discourse, but has since intensified since the recent Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, erasing a 50-year precedent and returning the decision to the states. Since the landmark decision, pro-life affiliated centers and charities have come under harassment and threats of violence. Even Brett Kavanaugh, one of the Supreme Court Justices responsible for the decision erasing Roe, was harassed in public as well as had threats on his life. In some cases, pro-abortion activists have damaged property.
Harbaugh, having entering himself into the debate over a wedge issue, drew his fair share of hate on Twitter from people who believe that his pro-life stance is beyond the pale.
"To me, the right choice is to have the courage to let the unborn be born” – says Man, Jim Harbaugh. "Courage." So, Women who have abortions are cowards? https://t.co/RoROLyE2Vw
— Joy Taylor (@JoyTaylorTalks) July 19, 2022
I believe in having full access to Jim Harbaugh’s medical records now since he thinks it’s fine to violate personal privacy by regulating someone else’s internal body parts #AbortionIsHealthcare https://t.co/bDfPHAyp2b
— Tara Dublin, Rock Star Author & Podcast Host (@taradublinrocks) July 19, 2022
No one who actively attempts to deny women their most basic rights should ever be allowed to hold a position of influence at a public university. That incudes University of Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh and his anti-woman fundraising. He's a public employee. Fire his ass.
— Palmer Report (@PalmerReport) July 19, 2022
