Erin Morrow Hawley, a law professor and wife of Senator Josh Hawley, has been at the center of contentious cultural battles for the past decade. Initially known for her fight against egg-laying hen regulations, she is now set to argue before the Supreme Court in a case involving the abortion pill, mifepristone. Representing anti-abortion doctors and medical associations, Ms. Hawley believes the pill poses risks to women, while the FDA maintains its safety. Rooted in her experience on a ranch, she views government actions as impacting people’s inherent dignity and worth, including unborn children. With a background in challenging government interference, Ms. Hawley’s conservative views align with the anti-abortion movement’s desire to limit medication abortion in the post-Roe era.
Ms. Hawley’s unique background as a millennial Christian mother and former clerk to Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. makes her an ideal advocate for the pro-life cause at this critical moment. She works for the Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative legal group, and embodies the ideals of womanhood cherished by the anti-abortion and conservative Christian movements. While previously known as Senator Hawley’s wife, she is now stepping into the spotlight by arguing a prominent abortion case before the Supreme Court. Despite being relatively unknown in anti-abortion circles, she is seen as a powerful force who may influence the movement more than her husband.
Raised on a cattle ranch in New Mexico, Ms. Hawley’s upbringing on the frontier shaped her values and determination. Her mother, a registered Democrat turned rancher, instilled in her the importance of family and hard work. After studying animal science and transitioning to regulatory law, she clerked for notable judges before marrying Josh Hawley and moving to Missouri. Although she initially took a supporting role in his political career, she has emerged as a prominent figure in conservative legal cases, including fighting for religious liberty and challenging abortion laws.
In her advocacy for the anti-abortion cause, Ms. Hawley brings a blend of legal expertise, faith, and maternal perspective. Describing her work as a calling from God, she remains calm under pressure, trusting in a higher power for the outcome. Her involvement in cases like the Dobbs challenge, which overturned Roe v. Wade, and defending Idaho’s abortion ban demonstrate her commitment to conservative social issues. By balancing her roles as a mother and lawyer, Ms. Hawley aims to dismantle abortion rights while upholding Christian values and constitutional liberties.
As the Supreme Court revisits abortion regulations post-Roe v. Wade, Ms. Hawley’s arguments against the abortion pill highlight her concerns about women’s health and the sanctity of life. With a focus on limiting government interference and protecting the unborn, she sees her work as a continuation of her fight for personal autonomy and dignity. By embodying conservative Christian values and advocating for pro-life causes, Ms. Hawley is positioned to play a significant role in shaping the future of abortion rights in the United States.
