The University of Notre Dame appointed an outspoken pro-abortion advocate to head the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies.
After public scrutiny, the University went on to defend its decision — even going so far as to affirm that it was dedicated to upholding Catholic doctrine!
On January 8, 2026, the University of Notre Dame appointed pro-abortion Prof. Susan Ostermann to lead the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies. Since then, Most Rev. Keven C. Rhoades, Bishop of Fort-Wayne-South Bend, expressed strong opposition to the appointment, which was echoed by two other bishops. According to reports:
“The self-proclaimed Catholic university issued a statement on Wednesday [January 26, 2026] defending the elevation of Susan Ostermann — an associate professor of global affairs at Notre Dame who has described abortion bans as ‘violence’ and ‘sexual abuse’ — to director of the university’s Liu Institute of Asia and Asian Studies.
“Ostermann is a particularly harsh critic of pro-life laws, having claimed that abortion access ‘prioritizes and values woman’s freedom from experienced violence, sexual abuse and trauma through forced pregnancy and childbirth.’ She is thus directly opposed to the fundamental professed values of Notre Dame.”
(Source: LifeSiteNew.com)
According to Lifesitenews.com, Prof. Ostermann has co-authored articles with titles such as:
- “Abortion, racism and guns: How white supremacy unites the right“
- “Forced pregnancy and childbirth are violence against women — and also terrible health policy,” in which access to abortion is described as “freedom-enhancing” and something that “respects the inherent dignity of women.” (Source: Salon .com)
- “Researchers: Banning abortion pill mifepristone would be a terrible policy choice and violate human rights,” which affirms “Banning mifepristone [an abortion drug] puts the lives of pregnant people [sic] in danger and violates their human rights…” (Source: ChicagoTribute .com)
This is a betrayal of Notre Dame’s Catholic identity and duty. Honoring an outspoken abortion supporter with such a high position sends the wrong message — that Catholic education and abortion can co-exist. This offends God’s Law and is a blatant contradiction.
Please sign our petition, demanding that Notre Dame rescind its appointment of Prof. Ostermann from the Liu Institute.