For Immediate Release: November 2, 2026
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Former Alliance Defending Freedom attorney brings distinguished record of pro-life advocacy 

Washington, D.C. – Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America is pleased to announce Erik Baptist as its new senior vice president of legal strategy. Baptist has been a key national player in fighting to protect unborn children and their mothers from mail-order abortion drugs, including as counsel for the state of Louisiana in Louisiana v. FDA. He brings extensive experience in constitutional litigation, regulatory law, and public policy, with an accomplished career spanning nonprofit legal advocacy, private practice, and senior leadership.  

Baptist said he is eager to bring his pro-life advocacy to SBA: 

“I’m honored to join Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America at such a pivotal time for the pro-life movement. Throughout my career, I’ve worked to advance the rule of law, hold federal agencies accountable, and defend the most vulnerable. I look forward to bringing my experience in litigation, legal strategy, and public policy to this important mission and helping advance protections for unborn children and their mothers.”

Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America President Marjorie Dannenfelser issued the following statement: 

“We are thrilled to welcome Erik Baptist to SBA Pro-Life America as our senior vice president of legal strategy. Erik brings an exceptional depth of legal experience, including his key role in critical Supreme Court litigation to protect unborn children and their mothers. His expertise in constitutional and administrative law, high-stakes litigation, and public policy will be a tremendous asset as we continue fighting to protect every human life. We’re excited to have him on our team.” 

Most recently, Baptist served as senior counsel and director of the Center for Life at Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), where he led litigation and advocacy efforts to protect unborn children and their mothers from the harms of abortion, including serving as counsel in three significant pro-life U.S. Supreme Court cases. Washingtonian magazine has named him to its list of the 500 Most Influential People Shaping Policy in Washington, D.C., in 2024, 2025, and 2026. Before joining ADF, he was a partner at Wiley Rein LLP, a leading Washington, D.C., law firm, and previously served as a senior executive service appointee at the EPA. As senior deputy general counsel and deputy assistant administrator, he directed litigation, helped develop major regulations and policies, and oversaw work involving more than 1,100 agency lawyers, scientists, and staff. 

Baptist began his legal career in the trial department of McDermott, Will & Emery LLP. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University and his law degree from The George Washington University Law School, where he served on The George Washington International Law Review. He is a member of the D.C. and Virginia Bars, and he is also admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court and many federal courts of appeals. 

Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America is a network of more than one million pro-life Americans nationwide, dedicated to ending abortion by electing national leaders and advocating for laws that save lives, with a special calling to promote pro-life women leaders.  

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