Respect Life Month is celebrated each October, providing opportunities to reflect more deeply on the value of each human life and on efforts to protect life from conception to natural death. During October, we are asked to consider why every human life is valuable and reflect on how to build a culture that protects life.

The theme for Respect Life Month in 2026 is "Mary, Mother of Life," reflecting on the Blessed Mother's role as the mother of all the life. The Blessed Mother teaches us to respect each human life in every stage and circumstance. 

From beginning to end, or “womb to tomb,” the catechism states: “Human life is sacred because from its beginning it involves the creative action of God and it remains forever in a special relationship with the Creator, who is its sole end” (2258).

“God created mankind in his image (Gn. 1:27). We were created to share in God’s life through knowledge and love, establishing us in a unique friendship with our Creator that elevates us above all else in creation Each of us is a reflection of God, called to share in love and creation.

As we hear in the Book of Jeremiah: “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you” (1:5). Therefore, God’s love for his children is not based on status in society. This truth must not be subverted in favor of how useful someone is or will be, casting aside those most vulnerable: the unborn, women and children, those living in poverty, the ill, the incarcerated, those living with disabilities, and the elderly. It is why abortion, assisted suicide, capital punishment, and other practices that violate the dignity of the human person must be rejected.

Respect Life Month also reminds us that those contemplating such practices are often people who find themselves in dire circumstances and that we must always remember to be Christ to them in our words and actions.

To support Respect Life Month and Respect Life Sunday, the USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities provides materials to help Catholics better understand and appreciate the gift of human life and help build a culture that cherishes and protects it.

Respect Life Month Resources

• Pro-Life Ministry - Information on pregnancy support centers, Walking with Moms in Need, and Maine Right to Life
• Project Rachel - Offering hope, understanding, and healing to women and men whose lives have been affected by abortion
• Three Beliefs - A guide for Maine Catholics facing end-of-life decisions