Annual Right to Life Benefit Dinner
Featuring Keynote Speakers:
Dr. Mary O'Callaghan
Public Policy Fellow, Notre Dame Center for Ethics and Culture
Mary O’Callaghan received her doctorate in developmental psychology from
the University of Notre Dame, specializing in developmental disabilities. She is
currently a Public Policy Fellow at Notre Dame’s Center for Ethics and Culture,
where she works on ethical issues related to disability. Her public policy work
has included testimony before the Indiana State Senate in favor of legislative
restrictions on disability-selective abortions as well as testimony before the
United Nations concerning the scope of international abortions of children
with Down syndrome.
Dr. O’Callaghan has also developed materials on disability for the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops’ Respect Life Program, has served on the Disabilities Advisory Board for the diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, and is co-founder of Miriam’s Blessing, a diocesan program which provides perinatal hospice support to expectant mothers carrying difficult pregnancies to term. She and her husband John have five children, including their youngest, Tommy, who has Down syndrome.
Katie Shaw
Pro-Life and Disability Rights Advocate
Katie Shaw lends her joyful attitude and passionate spirit to the pro-life cause in many ways. She also has Down syndrome and credits her parents for giving her a chance at life.
Katie has dedicated her life to advocating for the lives of others, articulating the need for protections of the most vulnerable unborn, including those with Down syndrome. In January of 2016, Katie testified to the Indiana Health and Provider Services Committee, voicing support for then Senate Bill 313, which was later signed into law and prohibited Indiana abortions solely based on gender or disability. Although the bill was ruled unconstitutional, Katie remains a relentless voice for the unborn, especially those who are disabled.