Every life is a gift – precious in God’s eyes – sent with a purpose

Catherine Hadro will serve as master of ceremonies for the 2022 Summit East to be held on Amelia Island, FL, January 27-29. Hadro is the host and managing editor of EWTN Pro- Life Weekly, a global television program which explores pro-life issues from a Catholic perspective. Based in the Washington, D.C., studio of EWTN News, she conducts interviews with political and church leaders and cultural figures on a wide range of life issues. While the show sometimes covers such topics as assisted suicide and hormonal contraception, its main focus is related to abortion. 

Catherine is a graduate of Florida State University and lives in Virginia with her husband.

Why has the pro-life issue been a key focus of your career?

I was always pro-life, and I grew up in a family in which the women around me had unexpected pregnancies yet went on to choose life and thrive. My mother, for example, was age 19 and in college when she gave birth to my older sister. She raised my sister by herself and went on to have three more babies, including me, and was CFO of a global company. She never believed the lies of the abortion industry that the only way a young woman with such a pregnancy can go on to have a successful life is to abort her child.

Do you have any key theme or message you hope to convey on EWTN Pro-Life Weekly?

Life is a gift; your life is a gift. It is our tagline that we use at the end of each show. Every life is precious, including our own. We must respect our own life, and the lives of others. It is a message that bears repeating amidst what Pope St. John Paul II called the “culture of death.”

Do you believe our political climate has made it unduly challenging for those who advocate the Right to Life?

It is a tumultuous time, especially since our president, who identifies himself as a practicing Catholic, is the most aggressive pro-abortion president in U.S. history. However, I do think the momentum is on our side. We’ve seen recent pro- life legislation passed in Texas and other pro-life initiatives happening in other states; many on the pro-life side are hopeful one of these cases could wind up in the Supreme Court and lead to a reversal of Roe v. Wade. While no one knows the future, we can take comfort that we’re on the side of truth.

Are young people becoming more pro-life?

I believe so. While we’re seeing more and more millennials disassociate themselves from traditional religion, they do tend to be interested in social justice and see abortion as a human rights issue.

How did you come to work for EWTN?

I was hired right out of college. At Florida State University I was active in the Catholic Student Union as well as in pro-life issues. Twice I attended the March for Life in Washington, D.C., which was a really powerful experience. I was also involved with local media, including our campus radio station and as an intern with a local CBS affiliate. This led me to EWTN eight years ago, where I would also meet my husband!

Why did you want to be a part of the 2022 Summit East?

I am familiar with the work of Legatus and very supportive of its mission. Its members are both business leaders faithful to the Magisterium and cultural influencers. I jumped at the opportunity. And with the Summit East being held in Florida, it gives me an excuse to visit my home state!