Lila Rose and Destiny Clash on Abortion at UC Irvine | Full Debate

Should abortion be legal? Live Action president Lila Rose and Destiny engage in a rigorous debate on the question.

Before a live audience at UC Irvine on November 12th, 2025 - Lila presents the pro-life case grounded in science, human rights, and moral philosophy: that human life begins at fertilization, that every preborn child is a distinct and unrepeatable human being, and that a just society protects all innocent human lives from violence — including the smallest and most vulnerable — from intentional harm.

Destiny defends the pro-choice position, arguing that legal protection should be based on consciousness, "personhood," and "bodily autonomy" - allegedly justifying abortion in most circumstances.

Throughout the debate, they address key issues that shape the abortion debate:

• When human life and human rights begin
• Whether consciousness or dependency can determine someone’s value
• Rape, high-risk pregnancies, and medical emergency care
• Miscarriage treatment vs. elective abortion
• The role of pregnancy resource centers and support for families
• How law influences cultural attitudes toward the preborn

This debate offers a clear contrast between two worldviews: one that sees every human life — regardless of size, level of development, or location — as worthy of legal protection, and another that ties human rights to subjective or temporary traits.

Whether you consider yourself pro-life, pro-choice, or are still exploring the issue, this conversation provides an in-depth look at the facts, principles, and moral foundations behind each side. Our hope is that it encourages viewers to think critically about what justice requires and how we protect the human rights of all members of our human family.