On Friday, August 21, 2026, Texas Alliance for Life hosted its August Leadership Circle Luncheon for more than 130 supporters and guests. They gathered for fellowship, a meal, and a program featuring timely pro-life updates on the Baby Gabriel surrogacy case, the Louisiana v. FDA hearing, a significant Fifth Circuit win in the Planned Parenthood Medicaid case, the work ahead in the 90th Legislative Session, and an inspiring message from a pregnancy resource center director on the front lines of saving lives in South Texas.
We are deeply thankful to everyone who joined us and to the many supporters who faithfully stand behind the mission of Texas Alliance for Life. Your generosity, prayers, and partnership make this work possible and strengthen our efforts to protect innocent human life throughout Texas.
Please find links below to videos of each speaker’s presentation from the luncheon.
Joseph Kinlin, President
President Joseph Kinlin opened the program by warmly welcoming guests and expressing his gratitude for the faithful supporters who make the work of Texas Alliance for Life possible. He emphasized the vital role our donors play in advancing our mission and protecting innocent human life across Texas.
Pastor Mark Markham, Board Member
Board Member Pastor Mark Markham opened the luncheon with a heartfelt prayer, asking for God’s blessing over the meal, the speakers, and everyone gathered together for the afternoon.
Amy O’Donnell, Executive Director
Executive Director Amy O’Donnell shared several important and timely updates on the state of the pro-life fight in Texas and across the nation. She addressed the story of McKenna West and Baby Gabriel, now officially named Rumi, whose journey from Alaska to Texas to protect his life captured national attention and powerfully illustrated why Texas pro-life laws matter. She also provided updates on the Louisiana v. FDA case and a significant Fifth Circuit win clearing the way for Texas and Louisiana to hold Planned Parenthood accountable for Medicaid fraud, for which they could face up to $2 billion in penalties. She closed by highlighting TAL’s preparations for the 90th Legislative Session and the importance of the November midterm elections for the pro-life cause. Her full message is a must-watch for anyone who wants to understand where the pro-life fight stands today.
Jana Pinson, Executive Director, Pregnancy Resource Center of the Coastal Bend
Jana Pinson, Executive Director of the Pregnancy Resource Center of the Coastal Bend, shared an inspiring and sobering message from the front lines of pro-life work in South Texas. Under her leadership over the past decade, the Pregnancy Center has grown from one location in Corpus Christi to five centers throughout the greater Coastal Bend. Jana spoke about how her centers come alongside women facing unplanned pregnancies, providing compassionate support and practical resources while helping save hundreds of lives each year. She also addressed the growing challenge of chemical abortion drugs readily available across the Mexican border and illegally shipped into Texas from other states, and how her team is responding to that reality every day — including women walking through their doors, handing over abortion pills, and choosing life.
J.J. Haley, Vice President
Vice President J.J. Haley celebrated the outstanding efforts of our 2026 Walk for Life award winners, presenting plaques in recognition of their dedication, generosity, and commitment to advancing the mission of Texas Alliance for Life. We are incredibly grateful to every walker, fundraiser, sponsor, and volunteer who made the 32nd Annual Walk for Life a success.
Lance Peterson, Director of Financial Development
Lance Peterson, Director of Financial Development, announced the upcoming 2026 Annual Benefit Dinner on Sunday, October 4, at the Hilton Austin, and encouraged guests to reserve their seats and tables for this special evening. This year’s keynote speaker is Bethany Hamilton, a professional surfer, the number one New York Times bestselling author of Soul Surfer, and a faith-based inspirational speaker. Lance highlighted the importance of the event in bringing pro-life supporters together to celebrate life, support TAL’s mission, and strengthen the movement to protect innocent human life in Texas. Reserve your seat or table today at TexasAllianceforLife.org.
Walk for Life Award Winners
We are incredibly grateful to all of our 2026 Walk for Life participants for their dedication, generosity, and commitment to protecting innocent human life. Their efforts make a lasting difference for women, babies, and families across Texas. We look forward to the 33rd Annual Walk for Life next year and hope to see you there.
