Cats for Life, a pro-life organization, has spent the last year shifting from a dissolved organization to a campus-wide conversation starter. By focusing on active outreach and consistent campus presence, Cats for Life has quickly become a prominent community for students looking to engage with the pro-life movement.
The organization, a chapter of Kansans for Life, underwent a significant revitalization after a previous version of the group disbanded. Brooke Evans, sophomore in animal sciences and industry and president of Cats for Life, stepped in to revamp the organization six months after it had fallen apart.
Since then, the club has seen its membership numbers nearly double. In December 2025, the group had approximately 75 members, many of whom were inactive. Today, that roster has grown to 133 members, actively engaging in conversation and efforts to reach more community members.
“I measure the confidence of the members by their willingness to participate,” Evans said. “Now, after apologetic meetings and social gatherings, our people are eager to get out and talk to others. They want to have those tough conversations that many avoid. It’s amazing to see what happens when you give someone a reason to stand and the information to do so. Topics once avoided are now topics pursued.”
Isabelle Connealy, freshman in computer science and vice president of Cats for Life, developed her passion for pro-life values while watching her younger sister navigate disabilities.
“Growing up with a little sister who has significant disabilities, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to recognize the dignity and worth of every human being, regardless of their abilities or circumstances,” Connealy said. “That experience has shaped my perspective and strengthened my commitment to advocating for those who may not be able to advocate for themselves.”
This growing sense of advocacy attracts students who, until recently, didn’t realize they had a place on campus to share these views. Izaiah Pearce, sophomore in architectural engineering and treasurer of Cats for Life, only found his way to the group after a personal invite from Evans.
Pearce said the group functions as a support system for students, and he finds his most meaningful moments during the organization’s public tabling events. One such event, titled “Aftermath,” featured over 19,000 fetal models laid out to represent abortion statistics in Kansas.
“My favorite event that we have hosted is the Aftermath event,” Pearce said. “This event was a physical representation of the abortions in Kansas. I really enjoyed this event because I was able to have many heartfelt presentations, and I was also able to present truth and love.”
As the organization looks toward the future, Connealy said the goal is to shift the campus culture toward one of conversations that are welcoming of differing perspectives and support for the “whole person,” instead of pro-life versus pro-choice.
“The biggest misconception about Cats for Life on campus is that we don’t value the women who are facing difficult or unexpected pregnancies,” Connealy said. “In reality, we care deeply about both the mother and her child. Ultimately, we care about all life, and that means supporting the whole person and the whole family.”