Culture of Life Studies Program’s 2026 pro-life essay contest now open through Nov. 7

The Culture of Life Studies Program is hosting its annual pro-life essay contest, open to students in grades 5-12, through Nov. 7. 

The contest, held every October since 2017 during Respect Life Month, gives middle and high school students the opportunity to share their knowledge and thoughts on pro-life topics. This year, the contest is cosponsored by the Institute for Excellence in Writing.

Essay prompts will ask students to reflect on important questions surrounding human life and dignity today, specifically addressing contemporary medical practices, human vulnerability and the responsibilities of individuals and society. 

Students in Category 1 (grades 5-8) will reflect on a quote from St. John Paul II and may choose a specific stage or circumstance of human life – such as life before birth, disability, serious illness or old age – and write a 500-word essay defending the value and dignity of that person’s life. 

Students in Category 2 (grades 9-12) will reflect on a quote from Dr. Jérôme Lejeune and examine a modern medical practice, such as abortion, IVF, euthanasia, prenatal screening or organ donation and explain how it raises questions about what medicine should – and should not – do.

All submissions must be original and unpublished work, with no AI assistance. Each contestant should submit only one entry, which must be submitted electronically by a parent, legal guardian or teacher. 

Schools that are submitting a large number of essays should email them to clsp@all.org.  

Winners of both categories will receive pro-life books and merchandise as well as monetary prizes: $250 for first place, $150 for second place, $75 for third place and $25 for honorable mentions. Winning essays will also be published on the Culture of Life Studies Program website.

Note that all submissions become the sole property of American Life League’s Culture of Life Studies Program, which reserves the right to edit submissions for publication.

Visit prolifeessay.com to enter the competition and for more information on submission guidelines, formatting requirements and prize details. 

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