Pro-life group sees rise in young activists after Charlie Kirk assassination

President Donald Trump recently awarded Turning Point USA founder and CEO Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom, just over a month after the activist was killed. Kirk was outspoken about his conservative and pro-life views, and his legacy inspired a new wave of activism.

Shawn Carney, president and CEO of 40 Days for Life, hailed President Donald Trump as “the most pro-life president we’ve ever had,” telling Fox News Digital that pro-life Americans were thrilled to see the president honor Kirk.

“It was so beautiful to see him honor Charlie,” Carney said. “He stood for freedom, and there would be no pro-life movement without free speech. Free speech is the foundation of 40 Days to Life, it is the foundation of pro-life dialogue. This is what Charlie gave his life for, and it was truly beautiful for all pro-life Americans to see him honored with the highest honor we have in our nation.”

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President Donald Trump posthumously awards the Presidential Medal of Freedom to the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, presenting it to his wife, Erika Kirk, during a ceremony in the Rose Garden of the White House on October 14, 2025. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Kirk was known for participating in debates across the country and the world, often confronting his harshest critics. Carney believes that Kirk’s willingness to take on difficult arenas as well as his accessible and “authentic” nature attracted young people to him and to the pro-life movement.

“Charlie was open and honest, and he was also humble and willing to talk to you,” Carney told Fox News Digital, adding that being approachable, as Kirk was, is crucial in pro-life activism.

“So many people have been hurt by abortion. So many people strongly support reproductive rights. And you just can’t come in and scream or say you’re going to burn in hell. You have to be approachable, you have to use reason, you can’t be afraid to share your faith, like Charlie wasn’t,” he added.

The pro-life organization 40 Days for Life has seen renewed interest following the assassination of Turning Point USA founder and CEO Charlie Kirk. (Paul Chinn/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images; Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune/Getty Images)

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Carney said 40 Days for Life has seen a surge of interest, particularly among younger activists, in the wake of Kirk’s assassination.

“His tragic killing took place just two weeks before the launch of one of our largest fall 40 Days for Life campaigns around the world,” Carney said. “Over 700 cities participated, and we saw a huge increase, a 36 percent increase in participation. We had so many young people who came… who knew who Charlie Kirk was and were inspired by him to participate in 40 Days for Life, who then brought their parents to pray at our vigils.”

An image of slain conservative commentator Charlie Kirk is placed on a memorial in his honor at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. (Jim Urquhart/Reuters)

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He recalled a young woman – whom he did not name – who said she was “so scared” to participate in pro-life activism before Kirk’s death. Carney noted that despite the “horrific images” of the assassination, many felt empowered and compelled to speak out about their beliefs.

“You thought the opposite would happen, that she would be more afraid and others would be more afraid, but that didn’t happen,” he said. “It literally inspired her to overcome years of fear.”

Carney also spoke about a TPUSA chapter leader whose mother tried to dissuade her son from participating in TPUSA or 40 Days for Life. The young man reportedly told his mother that Charlie would have wanted him to speak out and not run away from the culture wars.

Members of the pro-life group 40 Days for Life hold a vigil near the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital on March 5, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

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When asked what Kirk’s message would be to pro-life activists if he were still alive, Carney said it would be to not give up. Carney added that he’s heard newcomers inspired by Kirk say they think the TPUSA founder would want them to speak out and not “cower.”

“Right now in our culture there’s a lot to be afraid of, we can’t give in to it, we have to come out, we have to speak truth and love, and that’s what changes hearts and minds, and that’s the best way to honor Charlie,” Carney told Fox News Digital.