Why Secretary Duffy’s Pro-Life Views Make Him A Stand-Out Leader

This past week, newly confirmed Secretary of Transportation and former Wisconsin Congressman Sean Duffy shared his heartfelt compassion with the families of the victims of the tragic crash at DCA airport during a White House press conference. One of the most pro-life, pro-family leaders to enter the administration, Duffy said to the American people that he would not rest until his team had answers. “You should be assured that when you fly, you’re safe,” he said.

As a mother of four young children who travels frequently, I, along with Duffy and our nation, am devastated by this tragedy and pray history never repeats itself. But with Secretary Duffy at the helm, I am confident he will keep his focus on the safety of our nation.

American voters should be thrilled with Trump’s choice as Secretary of Transportation largely because Duffy has consistently been pro-family and pro-life throughout his personal and professional life. Just before his confirmation hearing, the father of nine children was spotted praying with his family, a sign of a great leader ready to serve.

As citizens, we must step back from the political commentary about each nominee and consider his or her perspective on human life. Regardless of any role’s focus, the fundamental value of every human life is essential. This is not just a political issue but a moral one that will define America’s future. President-elect Trump’s administration will ultimately impact the protection of our American pre-born children for generations to come, and we should want each member of his team to share Duffy’s perspective.

At age 53, Duffy and his wife of 25 years, the well-known Fox News host Rachael Campos-Duffy, met in unusual circumstances – on an MTV reality show in the mid-90s. Even back then, Sean was described as a conservative, mid-western lumberjack from a ‘strict Irish-Catholic family’ with ten brothers and sisters. He and his future bride clashed with their more liberal cast members, foreshadowing their future careers.

Duffy earned a J.D. degree from William Mitchell College of Law and quickly became a special prosecutor and then a District Attorney before winning his seat in the House in 2010. He served in Congress from 2011 to 2019, all while growing his large family with Rachel. The couple remained devoted to each other, their faith, and their children, regardless of the countercultural environment we live in today.

In 2019, Duffy announced he would be stepping down from his position as a U.S. Representative after learning that his newest baby girl would be born with complications. Valentina, baby number nine, needed open heart surgery within a few months of birth and was confirmed to have Down Syndrome. In Rachel’s public birth announcement, she exclaimed that an “extra chromosome certainly made her EXTRA cute. Life is wonderful!”.

Their response is a beautiful example of welcoming a precious life into the world, regardless of difficult and unforeseen circumstances. This worldview is the opposite of so many we hear about today – especially in countries such as Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the UK, and Belgium, where more than 90% of women have their children killed via abortion after a Down Syndrome diagnosis.

Duffy has remained steadfast not only in his pro-life values but also in his political career.

In 2013, Duffy addressed the House of Representatives regarding the Pennsylvania trial of Dr. Gosnell. He exposed the horrors of abortion, saying: “…dozens if not hundreds of babies have had their lives taken from them or they have been murdered— Left to lay in cardboard boxes. Left in toilets trying to swim for air. That kind of horror is being bestowed on children in America. And yet, where is the media? Where are the protests? Where are the congressional hearings? Where are the parents? Where are the high-powered meetings with the senators across the aisle?”

Just three years later, Duffy again called on legislators to take action to protect women and babies from abortion, saying, “My friends, liberals, Congressional black caucus members, they talk about fighting for the defenseless and the hopeless and the downtrodden, but there is no one more hopeless or defenseless than an unborn baby. But their silence is deafening.” He cited the high abortion rate among minorities and how their communities are targeted by organizations such as Planned Parenthood.

This type of boldness from a politician should be commended and applauded. Duffy’s ability to defend the defenseless child in the womb and raise awareness of the brutality of the abortion procedure is the kind of leadership this country needs. Every leader in our nation’s Capitol needs to understand the grave importance of this issue that’s taking 2,800 precious lives every day in our country.

Duffy’s new role in the pro-life movement will undoubtedly have an impact on protecting the lives of pre-born children. Every person who recognizes the true dignity of human life can impact this issue.

The Secretary of Transportation oversees national transportation policy, with responsibilities ranging from negotiating and implementing international transportation agreements to assuring the fitness of U.S. airlines and ultimately delivering the world’s leading transportation system. Duffy will serve the American people and the economy by providing a safe, efficient, sustainable, and equitable way to move people and goods.

His pro-life views will affect every decision he makes in this position, which I believe will bring about honest communication, protection of life, and justice for human rights. Trump’s decision to nominate Sean Duffy for such a high-profile role in our government should be applauded, and we should continue to hold him and all our nation’s leaders accountable for upholding the right to life as part of their patriotic duty.

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Kimberly Bird is a Catholic mother of four and a Senior Specialist in Communications and Public Affairs at Live Action.

The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.