“Life is incredibly valuable ... whether in the womb or outside of it.” That was one of the opening lines of the speech delivered by Travis Weber, vice president of Family Research Council, in Bogotá, Colombia, on June 2. On that day, he received an award of recognition from the Congress of the Republic.

In a conversation with The Washington Stand, Weber emphasized that he was deeply honored by the recognition, which highlights his contributions to the protection of life and to the biblical values of family.

The connection between Weber and the South American country’s pro-life caucus began in the summer of 2024 through Héctor Pardo, a staunch advocate for biblical values in the public square. “They asked us for assistance on how to defend life legislatively — something we have been doing here in the U.S.” Weber has felt like a “brother” among them, working alongside community leaders, pastors, and political figures, as well as participating in the 2024 and 2025 Pro-Life Conventions.

Liliana Castañeda, an advisor to the Colombian Congress, believes that Weber has provided invaluable guidance and contributions toward the promotion and defense of life, family, and religious freedom — specifically regarding “technical and strategic support within various deliberative settings.”

“His work has transcended the strictly institutional sphere, establishing him as a highly significant figure in the strengthening of these causes at the national level,” Castañeda underscored. “In particular, he has provided steadfast support to the members of Congress who comprise the Special Commission for Life, Family, and Religious Freedom — the Pro-Life Caucus — thereby becoming a strategic ally in strengthening the public debate surrounding these principles.”

Weber’s recognition took place before the entire Congress during a regular legislative session. Among those present was Iván Cepeda, a presidential candidate representing the ruling leftist coalition, Pacto Histórico (Historical Pact). Although that political group holds views diametrically opposed to the policies regarding the right to life, its representative listened to the speech. “The human instinct is to defend life. There is no shortage of brokenness and challenges in today’s societies,” said the FRC executive before the Colombian Congress. “Both in the United States and in Colombia. Pain and violence, broken relationships, suicides and murders, wars and conflicts.” In light of this, he recommended refocusing on the family.

The recognition bestowed upon Weber was championed by Senator Karina Espinosa, one of the firmest voices advocating for the right to life in the Colombian Congress.

In an interview with TWS, the South American political leader stated that the pro-life movement in Colombia has been gaining strength in recent years. “From the Congress of the Republic, we have driven the creation and coordination of a pro-life caucus, as well as the organization of regional and national conventions to coordinate efforts in defense of life, the family, and religious freedom.”

At the same time, she highlighted, there exist independent citizen organizations and movements that remain “vigilant regarding legislative initiatives and public policies they deem contrary to these principles.”

Espinosa counts among their major victories having halted initiatives related to the regulation of “recreational cannabis, proposals regarding sex changes, so-called ‘autonomy houses’ for women — which are linked to abortion policies — as well as initiatives aimed at expanding euthanasia and assisted suicide.” Furthermore, they have succeeded in opening up spaces for debate and citizen participation on key issues regarding the protection of life and family.

“Our primary challenge is to consolidate a solid, permanent organization with a presence throughout the entire national territory — one equipped with technical teams and strategic liaisons within entities such as the Ministries of Education, Health, Interior, Culture, and Sports, in addition to the Congress,” the legislator noted. “We need greater coordination, training, and institutional capacity to respond effectively to current challenges.”

Espinosa explained that Colombia is facing a cultural battle — “a profound dispute over the values that should guide education, the family, and public policy.” She believes that, while “feminist movements and organizations promoting the gender agenda possess significant sources of funding and international support (enabling them to develop highly effective strategies for political, academic, and social advocacy), a large portion of pro-life work is carried out of conviction, volunteerism, and civic commitment, with much more limited resources.”

Another major challenge on Espinosa’s radar is curbing the advancement of a set of ideological agendas that “impact spheres such as education, health, the economy, politics, justice, and culture, thereby undermining principles related to the protection of life, family, and fundamental freedoms.”

Therefore, she believes, the great challenge is cultural rather than political: that of “strengthening a society that values life, responsibility, family, and human dignity, promoting these notions through education, institutions, and civic participation.”