Pro-Life Leader James Dobson Passes Away at 89

Dr. James Dobson, a prominent pro-life advocate and founder of Focus on the Family, passed away at the age of 89 today, according to a statement from his organization.

Dobson, born in 1936, leaves behind a legacy of defending the sanctity of life.

The official announcement from the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute stated, “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. James C. Dobson, Jr., who went home to be with the Lord on August 20, 2025.”

The institute highlighted his lifelong commitment to protecting the unborn, noting his influence through decades of radio broadcasts and writings.

“Dr. Dobson was a pioneer—a man of deep conviction whose voice shaped the way generations view faith, family and culture,” said Gary Bauer, Senior Vice President of Public Policy at the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute. “His bold leadership, integrity, and compassion helped equip countless families to thrive in a world of shifting values. He was a mentor, a counselor, and a steady voice of truth in turbulent times.”

He founded the highly influential Focus on the Family in 1977 before forming other ministries and organizations like the Family Research Council, Family Policy Alliance, and Dr. James Dobson Family Institute. Dobson was also involved in the establishment of Alliance Defending Freedom, a pro-life legal group.

“The world has lost a mighty voice for truth and an incredibly influential servant of Christ today,” said ADF CEO, President, and Chief Counsel Kristen Waggoner. “Dobson’s bold leadership and commitment to the Gospel shaped the lives of so many and will continue to do so many years after his passing. We know that death is not the end, and we are confident he is walking victoriously into the arms of his Savior and hearing the words, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’ ADF is grateful for the vision and inspiration Dobson provided us, and we extend our warmest sympathies to Shirley and the rest of the Dobson family.”

Get the latest pro-life news and information on X (Twitter). Follow @LifeNewsHQ

Eric Metaxas, a noted author and friend, paid tribute on X, saying, “Dr. James Dobson has gone to be with the Lord. A giant in the faith, a champion for the family, and a true hero. We will miss him dearly.”

Dobson’s work, including his leadership in shaping pro-life policies, resonated widely among supporters. Dobson was a vocal proponent of the pro-life movement, often articulating his beliefs with clarity and conviction.

“We believe that every human life, from the moment of conception, is sacred and a gift from God, and we cannot cooperate with this immoral mandate without violating our most deeply held religious beliefs.” This quote, part of a 2013 lawsuit filed by Family Talk against a mandate requiring abortion-inducing drugs, underscored his steadfast commitment to the cause.

Additionally, Dobson’s writings reflected his pro-life stance. He emphasized living according to biblical standards, a principle that guided his advocacy for the unborn throughout his career.

On Jan. 31, 1994, Dobson joined five other visionary leaders—Bill Bright, Marlin Maddoux, D. James Kennedy, Larry Burkett, and William Pew—and launched the Alliance Defense Fund, which eventually became Alliance Defending Freedom. Dobson had previously served with Alan Sears on the U.S. Attorney General’s Commission on Pornography in 1986, which led to Dobson being a central figure in calling Sears to serve as CEO, president, and general counsel for ADF for 26 years.

“I am sad to learn of the passing of my ally and friend, Dr. James Dobson,” said Sears. “He gave us the greatest gift any person can give: his name and reputation. It was an incredible trust and turned out to be a gift that changed the world. Without Dobson in those early years, it’s unlikely ADF would have become what it is today. It was through Focus on the Family that the ADF theme verse, John 15:5, was adopted, which acknowledges that ‘Without Christ, we can do nothing.’ This has been the cornerstone of everything ADF has accomplished, and Dobson’s legacy will continue on through the many ministries he envisioned and led.”

Born in 1936 in Shreveport, Louisiana, Dr. Dobson founded Focus on the Family in 1977, creating one of the largest faith-based organizations in the world. His daily broadcasts were heard on over 4,000 radio stations across North America and translated into 27 languages in more than 160 countries. Following his departure from Focus on the Family in 2010, Dr. Dobson launched the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute (JDFI), continuing his mission through Family Talk, a nationally syndicated radio broadcast offering timeless counsel for today’s families.

Dobson authored more than 70 books dedicated to the preservation of the family, including The New Dare to Discipline, The New Strong-Willed Child, Bringing Up Boys, Bringing Up Girls, Love Must Be Tough, and When God Doesn’t Make Sense which remain staples in Christian homes today. His leadership extended beyond media and publishing as he advised multiple U.S. administrations on family policy, juvenile justice, and child welfare.

A frequent presence in Washington, D.C., Dr. Dobson played key roles in presidential commissions, with appointments by Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush. He was instrumental in shaping national conversations around pornography, gambling, teen pregnancy prevention, and the sanctity of human life, and he served on President Donald Trump’s Evangelical Executive Advisory Board.

Dobson’s death marks the end of an era for the pro-life movement, where he was celebrated for his unwavering stance on the value of every human life from conception.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Shirley; their children, Danae and Ryan; daughter-in-law Laura; and two beloved grandchildren.

The post Pro-Life Leader James Dobson Passes Away at 89 appeared first on LifeNews.com.