Life on the Line https://prolifeunion.podbean.com

Life on the Line with Chris Pushaw

"Life on the Line" covers the week in the pro-life world in the Delaware Valley. It weaves in news, events and prayer to capture the pulse of the Culture of Life in Philadelphia. We also feature guests from over 25 related organizations to give an informed and comprehensive picture of where things stand in terms of neonatal care, support, and counseling, public advocacy and educational outreach. We welcome guests from all backgrounds and political perspectives for the purpose of reasoned and respectful debate on what is admittedly the "third rail" of American cultural discourse.

Christopher Pushaw serves as the President of the Pro-Life Union of Greater Philadelphia. Prior to that he ran the primary campaign for Mark Houck in the First Congressional District of Pennsylvania. Chris comes to the Pro-Life Union with an extensive background in pro-life and legal advocacy. He had served as Executive Director and General Counsel for the Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation, the largest of its kind in the Commonwealth and the official state affiliate for the National Right to Life Committee. In that capacity, he coordinated legislative and educational outreach with respect to pro-life issues as well as grassroots activity throughout the state. Chris got started in area pro-life outreach as a volunteer speaker for and later President of Pennsylvanians for Human Life, using his legal background to trace the genesis of Roe and its legal, ethical and cultural ramifications in schools throughout the Delaware Valley. He also represented children in Family Court in Philadelphia through the Child Advocacy clinic and was involved in the Big Brothers program.

Chris has been a practicing “Philadelphia Lawyer” for twenty-five years. Chris earned his undergraduate degree at The Catholic University of America, a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin (where he attended a talk given by Sarah Weddington, the lawyer who represented “Jane Roe”) and finally Yale Law School, where he wrote a major research paper on genetic screening and partial birth abortion.

]]> Fri, 17 Jul 2026 20:17:28 -0300 https://podbean.com/?v=5.5 en Copyright 2026 All rights reserved. Society & Culture 1440 episodic Pro-Life Union Pro-Life Union No false https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/22446199/Life_on_the_Line_Logobhn0m.png Life on the Line https://prolifeunion.podbean.com 144 144 The Future Is Knocking – On Campus! The Future Is Knocking – On Campus! https://prolifeunion.podbean.com/e/the-future-is-knocking-%e2%80%93-on-campus/ https://prolifeunion.podbean.com/e/the-future-is-knocking-%e2%80%93-on-campus/#comments Fri, 17 Jul 2026 20:17:28 -0300 prolifeunion.podbean.com/ffa114ed-4dc0-3fee-8415-a23daecde72e In the latest episode of Life on the Line, we meet a new generation that’s refusing to sit on the sidelines. Julia Sadik gives us an inside look at how Students for Life is training young people to knock on doors, engage their communities, connect women with life-affirming resources, and courageously live out the Gospel of Life. Don’t miss this conversation. You’ll come away encouraged by what God is doing through today’s pro-life leaders.

]]> In the latest episode of Life on the Line, we meet a new generation that’s refusing to sit on the sidelines. Julia Sadik gives us an inside look at how Students for Life is training young people to knock on doors, engage their communities, connect women with life-affirming resources, and courageously live out the Gospel of Life. Don’t miss this conversation. You’ll come away encouraged by what God is doing through today’s pro-life leaders.

]]> Pro-Life Union false No 3357 1 11 full Respecting Life Without Exception Respecting Life Without Exception https://prolifeunion.podbean.com/e/respecting-life-without-exception/ https://prolifeunion.podbean.com/e/respecting-life-without-exception/#comments Fri, 10 Jul 2026 13:50:53 -0300 prolifeunion.podbean.com/282992ee-bfbe-3f82-bd17-b87981b5faf4 “There are no fetuses. There are only human beings.” That’s the challenge attorney and columnist Christine Flowers brings to this week’s episode of Life on the Line. Christine explains why a truly pro-life worldview doesn’t stop with one issue. It has to shape the way we see every person we encounter. It’s a conversation that will leave you thinking long after it ends.

]]> “There are no fetuses. There are only human beings.” That’s the challenge attorney and columnist Christine Flowers brings to this week’s episode of Life on the Line. Christine explains why a truly pro-life worldview doesn’t stop with one issue. It has to shape the way we see every person we encounter. It’s a conversation that will leave you thinking long after it ends.

]]> Pro-Life Union false No 3383 1 10 full The Ideas that Built America The Ideas that Built America https://prolifeunion.podbean.com/e/the-ideas-that-built-america/ https://prolifeunion.podbean.com/e/the-ideas-that-built-america/#comments Fri, 26 Jun 2026 17:49:25 -0300 prolifeunion.podbean.com/e3b4e062-d765-3998-8ee3-4c61282ac5d6 In this week’s episode of Life on the Line, we ask a question at the heart of our nation's 250th anniversary: Where do our rights really come from? Kim Kennedy, Founder of MTC Speakers, joins Pastor David Whitney, Senior Instructor with the Institute on the Constitution, to discuss why America's founding begins with one simple truth: our rights come from God, not government. Together, we explore what that means, the proper role of civil government, and why these foundational principles are just as relevant today as they were 250 years ago. Before we celebrate America's birthday, it's worth remembering what gave it life in the first place.

]]> In this week’s episode of Life on the Line, we ask a question at the heart of our nation's 250th anniversary: Where do our rights really come from? Kim Kennedy, Founder of MTC Speakers, joins Pastor David Whitney, Senior Instructor with the Institute on the Constitution, to discuss why America's founding begins with one simple truth: our rights come from God, not government. Together, we explore what that means, the proper role of civil government, and why these foundational principles are just as relevant today as they were 250 years ago. Before we celebrate America's birthday, it's worth remembering what gave it life in the first place.

]]> Pro-Life Union false No 1670 1 9 full Faith That Doesn’t Back Down Faith That Doesn’t Back Down https://prolifeunion.podbean.com/e/faith-that-doesn-t-back-down/ https://prolifeunion.podbean.com/e/faith-that-doesn-t-back-down/#comments Wed, 24 Jun 2026 12:38:16 -0300 prolifeunion.podbean.com/7d20f871-d837-381e-a575-42c31b91ff09 We’re excited to welcome Mark Houck, Co-Founder and President of The King’s Men, to Life on the Line this week. For decades, Mark has stood on the front lines of the pro-life movement – sidewalk counseling outside abortion facilities, speaking to thousands about authentic masculinity, and helping men and women find healing through Christ. In this episode, he reflects on the challenges and sacrifices that come with public witness, including the federal prosecution that made national headlines and the faith that sustained him through the trial. We also discuss his congressional run, and his call to live the Gospel of Life not just in words, but in action. Mark’s journey challenges all of us to consider what it really means to defend life when the cost becomes personal.

]]> We’re excited to welcome Mark Houck, Co-Founder and President of The King’s Men, to Life on the Line this week. For decades, Mark has stood on the front lines of the pro-life movement – sidewalk counseling outside abortion facilities, speaking to thousands about authentic masculinity, and helping men and women find healing through Christ. In this episode, he reflects on the challenges and sacrifices that come with public witness, including the federal prosecution that made national headlines and the faith that sustained him through the trial. We also discuss his congressional run, and his call to live the Gospel of Life not just in words, but in action. Mark’s journey challenges all of us to consider what it really means to defend life when the cost becomes personal.

]]> Pro-Life Union false No 1686 1 8 full Where Families Find Hope Where Families Find Hope https://prolifeunion.podbean.com/e/where-families-find-hope/ https://prolifeunion.podbean.com/e/where-families-find-hope/#comments Wed, 24 Jun 2026 11:56:29 -0300 prolifeunion.podbean.com/c7aaa522-fce3-3dd5-85a8-59a9c17a6086 In this week’s episode of Life on the Line, we’re talking about a struggle many families face but few people discuss openly. Dr. Anne DeSantis, Executive Director of the St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation, joins us to share how the ministry provides free pastoral care for individuals experiencing separation, divorce, custody disputes, and other difficult family situations. We discuss the challenges many people are navigating today, the role faith can play in difficult seasons, the Foundation’s upcoming pilgrimage celebrating our nation’s 250th birthday and much more. For anyone carrying the weight of family struggles, this episode is for you.

]]> In this week’s episode of Life on the Line, we’re talking about a struggle many families face but few people discuss openly. Dr. Anne DeSantis, Executive Director of the St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation, joins us to share how the ministry provides free pastoral care for individuals experiencing separation, divorce, custody disputes, and other difficult family situations. We discuss the challenges many people are navigating today, the role faith can play in difficult seasons, the Foundation’s upcoming pilgrimage celebrating our nation’s 250th birthday and much more. For anyone carrying the weight of family struggles, this episode is for you.

]]> Pro-Life Union false No 1701 1 7 full Finding Purpose Through Pain Finding Purpose Through Pain https://prolifeunion.podbean.com/e/finding-purpose-through-pain/ https://prolifeunion.podbean.com/e/finding-purpose-through-pain/#comments Wed, 24 Jun 2026 11:53:44 -0300 prolifeunion.podbean.com/44191555-bb4e-3685-8c2d-62a78cea05be In this week’s episode of Life on the Line, we sit down with Melissa Aguilera, Executive Director of Magnolia Women’s Center, whose journey from abortion to healing has become the foundation of a powerful ministry serving women and families in Northeast Philadelphia. After experiencing two abortions herself, Melissa encountered God’s mercy and felt called to help others facing the same difficult circumstances. Today, Magnolia Women’s Center supports women encountering unplanned pregnancies in a community surrounded by abortion facilities. In this episode, we talk about Melissa’s personal story, what God is doing through Magnolia, and why the call to defend life is not simply a political issue, but a deeply human and spiritual one. Listen to her story now.

]]> In this week’s episode of Life on the Line, we sit down with Melissa Aguilera, Executive Director of Magnolia Women’s Center, whose journey from abortion to healing has become the foundation of a powerful ministry serving women and families in Northeast Philadelphia. After experiencing two abortions herself, Melissa encountered God’s mercy and felt called to help others facing the same difficult circumstances. Today, Magnolia Women’s Center supports women encountering unplanned pregnancies in a community surrounded by abortion facilities. In this episode, we talk about Melissa’s personal story, what God is doing through Magnolia, and why the call to defend life is not simply a political issue, but a deeply human and spiritual one. Listen to her story now.

]]> Pro-Life Union false No 1694 1 6 full Tour de Life Tour de Life https://prolifeunion.podbean.com/e/tour-de-life/ https://prolifeunion.podbean.com/e/tour-de-life/#comments Wed, 24 Jun 2026 11:47:25 -0300 prolifeunion.podbean.com/a25d05f2-8d32-3978-bcfb-365c41db20bf On this week’s Life on the Line, we sit down with Chris Massaro, Executive Director of Biking for Babies, on the great work they are doing in delivering the Gospel of Life to young people. We will find out how cycling ties into this evangelical work and how a mission that began in 2009 has grown into a nationwide movement that has engaged more than 300 young adults, partnered with over 200 pregnancy centers, and raised nearly $2.5 million to support mothers and families in need. In this episode, we talk about the lived experience of the Gospel of Life among young people and where this growing movement is headed next. Give this one a listen!

]]> On this week’s Life on the Line, we sit down with Chris Massaro, Executive Director of Biking for Babies, on the great work they are doing in delivering the Gospel of Life to young people. We will find out how cycling ties into this evangelical work and how a mission that began in 2009 has grown into a nationwide movement that has engaged more than 300 young adults, partnered with over 200 pregnancy centers, and raised nearly $2.5 million to support mothers and families in need. In this episode, we talk about the lived experience of the Gospel of Life among young people and where this growing movement is headed next. Give this one a listen!

]]> Pro-Life Union false No 1692 1 5 full A Safe Place to Say Yes to Life A Safe Place to Say Yes to Life https://prolifeunion.podbean.com/e/a-safe-place-to-say-yes-to-life/ https://prolifeunion.podbean.com/e/a-safe-place-to-say-yes-to-life/#comments Wed, 24 Jun 2026 11:45:48 -0300 prolifeunion.podbean.com/048329f1-d064-3341-95a2-3a0553f04a58 In this week’s episode of Life on the Line, we’re joined by Kim Capista, Executive Director of Annie’s Home, to talk about the beautiful work they’re doing for women facing unexpected pregnancies. At a time when many women feel scared, uncertain, or like they have nowhere to turn, Annie’s Home offers a place of stability, support, and care. They walk alongside mothers and help them build toward a bright future for themselves and their children. In this episode, we discuss the challenges women are facing today and the incredible difference it can make when someone is reminded that they are not alone. Tune in!

]]> In this week’s episode of Life on the Line, we’re joined by Kim Capista, Executive Director of Annie’s Home, to talk about the beautiful work they’re doing for women facing unexpected pregnancies. At a time when many women feel scared, uncertain, or like they have nowhere to turn, Annie’s Home offers a place of stability, support, and care. They walk alongside mothers and help them build toward a bright future for themselves and their children. In this episode, we discuss the challenges women are facing today and the incredible difference it can make when someone is reminded that they are not alone. Tune in!

]]> Pro-Life Union false No 1672 1 4 full The Message Young People Didn’t Know They Needed The Message Young People Didn’t Know They Needed https://prolifeunion.podbean.com/e/the-message-young-people-didn-t-know-they-needed/ https://prolifeunion.podbean.com/e/the-message-young-people-didn-t-know-they-needed/#comments Wed, 24 Jun 2026 11:43:49 -0300 prolifeunion.podbean.com/bb71c326-f82b-32ee-b277-5bc177857965 In this week’s episode of Life on the Line, we’re joined by Marlayna Cebenko of Generation Life who shares the powerful work they’re doing to reach young people with a message that cuts through the noise of today’s culture. Through retreats, beach outreach, and conversations on relationships, dignity, and authentic love, Generation Life is connecting with teens and young adults who are tired of hookup culture, heartbreak, and feeling used. In this episode, we discuss why so many young people are responding to the message of chastity and the Gospel of Life, the impact these conversations are having on students across the country, and what happens when young people are reminded of their true worth and purpose. Don’t miss it!

]]> In this week’s episode of Life on the Line, we’re joined by Marlayna Cebenko of Generation Life who shares the powerful work they’re doing to reach young people with a message that cuts through the noise of today’s culture. Through retreats, beach outreach, and conversations on relationships, dignity, and authentic love, Generation Life is connecting with teens and young adults who are tired of hookup culture, heartbreak, and feeling used. In this episode, we discuss why so many young people are responding to the message of chastity and the Gospel of Life, the impact these conversations are having on students across the country, and what happens when young people are reminded of their true worth and purpose. Don’t miss it!

]]> Pro-Life Union false No 1678 1 3 full Life Wins in Court! Life Wins in Court! https://prolifeunion.podbean.com/e/life-wins-in-court/ https://prolifeunion.podbean.com/e/life-wins-in-court/#comments Wed, 24 Jun 2026 11:42:48 -0300 prolifeunion.podbean.com/4a0226ba-43af-3e6c-ae48-085e491cce94 In this week’s episode of Life on the Line, we’re joined by PLU legal intern Giovanni Ciraulo and Carolyn McDonnell, Litigation Counsel at Americans United for Life, the largest pro-life legal advocacy group in the country. Carolyn is working on the front lines of some of the most important judicial questions in the nation, bringing vast experience in constitutional law, federal litigation, and defending the rights of pregnancy resource centers. With expertise in areas like chemical abortion, conscience rights, and assisted suicide, she helps unpack what’s really happening behind the scenes in the courts and in federal policy. In this episode, we dig into the recent wave of major decisions shaping the post-Dobbs landscape: the wins, the setbacks, and the courtroom battles unfolding right now. Carolyn offers an expert perspective on what these cases mean, what’s coming next, and why it matters. Don’t miss this inside look at the legal fight for life you won’t hear anywhere else.

]]> In this week’s episode of Life on the Line, we’re joined by PLU legal intern Giovanni Ciraulo and Carolyn McDonnell, Litigation Counsel at Americans United for Life, the largest pro-life legal advocacy group in the country. Carolyn is working on the front lines of some of the most important judicial questions in the nation, bringing vast experience in constitutional law, federal litigation, and defending the rights of pregnancy resource centers. With expertise in areas like chemical abortion, conscience rights, and assisted suicide, she helps unpack what’s really happening behind the scenes in the courts and in federal policy. In this episode, we dig into the recent wave of major decisions shaping the post-Dobbs landscape: the wins, the setbacks, and the courtroom battles unfolding right now. Carolyn offers an expert perspective on what these cases mean, what’s coming next, and why it matters. Don’t miss this inside look at the legal fight for life you won’t hear anywhere else.

]]> Pro-Life Union false No 1691 1 2 full Building a Home – Not a Shelter Building a Home – Not a Shelter https://prolifeunion.podbean.com/e/buildingahome/ https://prolifeunion.podbean.com/e/buildingahome/#comments Tue, 23 Jun 2026 15:19:56 -0300 jessier.podbean.com/f49f6cf2-f599-387f-bebd-1c042e503c8d In the broadcast debut of Life on the Line, we feature the great work of the Guiding Star Maternity Home in the Germantown area of Philadelphia. At Guiding Star, expectant mothers get an opportunity to bring their child safely into the world, making the choice for life in a warm, welcoming environment. Guiding Star also offers these moms parenting classes, professional counseling and the life-skills training needed to help them to build a life for themselves and their children. The Pro-life Union operates the Guiding Star program In partnership with Catholic Charities of Philadelphia. In this week’s episode, we talk with Elaina Howard, the Executive Director for Guiding Star, on the wonderful work they do, the challenges they face in this mission and her own personal pro-life journey. Please tune in!

]]> In the broadcast debut of Life on the Line, we feature the great work of the Guiding Star Maternity Home in the Germantown area of Philadelphia. At Guiding Star, expectant mothers get an opportunity to bring their child safely into the world, making the choice for life in a warm, welcoming environment. Guiding Star also offers these moms parenting classes, professional counseling and the life-skills training needed to help them to build a life for themselves and their children. The Pro-life Union operates the Guiding Star program In partnership with Catholic Charities of Philadelphia. In this week’s episode, we talk with Elaina Howard, the Executive Director for Guiding Star, on the wonderful work they do, the challenges they face in this mission and her own personal pro-life journey. Please tune in!

]]> Pro-Life Union false No 1676 1 1 full