This year marks an incredible milestone for Brad Mattes, president of Life Issues Institute, as he celebrates his golden anniversary in pro-life advocacy.
“When God lit the passion for life in my heart,” Mattes shares, “He withheld how long that battle would entail. But even after fifty years, the passion continues to burn brightly. My call is to be faithful until He summons me home.”
As a high school senior, he was assigned a persuasive speech and chose to speak out against abortion, and by the end of his talk, every classmate had been persuaded of his position. It was in that moment that Mattes discovered his calling: to change hearts and minds in defense of the unborn. His lifelong commitment to the pro-life cause was sparked just two years after Roe v. Wade reshaped America’s legal landscape on abortion.
“Revealing the beauty of life within the womb and sharing the truth that there are desirable alternatives to abortion has turned the hearts and minds of millions of Americans to life,” he said.
Over the decades, Brad has emerged as a powerful leader in the fight for life. From grassroots volunteer to chapter and state president, Mattes has served at nearly every level of the movement. He represented Montana on the National Right to Life Committee’s board of directors and later joined the late Dr. John Willke in founding Life Issues Institute in 1991. Together, they prioritized education as the foundation for all pro-life victories.
“There are few things more satisfying than hitting my pillow and knowing I gave Satan heartburn that day,” he said. “When I look into the eyes of a baby, I’m reminded of the sacred duty God has given me to end abortion.”
Throughout the years, Mattes has witnessed monumental changes in the landscape of life advocacy, calling the demise of Roe v. Wade the single most significant development, which he said “totally changed the abortion landscape in America.”
Under Brad’s leadership, Life Issues Institute has harnessed the power of media to reach millions.
“The platform of religious broadcasting has played a central role in reaching over 18 million souls every week,” he notes. “Reaching [Christians] in addition to the general public has been a priority of our mission. …Christ is central to healing. We are saving lives for now and eternity.”
Life Issues Institute has been an NRB member since 1999. Brad Mattes is an NRB President’s Council member. Learn more at lifeissues.org.