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Notre Dame Appoints Pro-Abortion Professor to Lead Asian Studies Institute
The Catholic university's decision to name a pro-choice scholar as director of the Liu Institute sparks debate over its commitment to pro-life values.
Feb. 1, 2026 at 10:47am
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The University of Notre Dame, a Catholic institution, has appointed Susan Ostermann, a professor who has publicly supported abortion access, as the new director of its Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies. This move has drawn scrutiny given the university's stated position on upholding the sanctity of human life.
Why it matters
Notre Dame's decision to appoint a pro-abortion professor to lead its Asian studies institute raises questions about the university's adherence to its Catholic mission and values, particularly its stance on the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death.
The details
Ostermann, who joined Notre Dame in 2017 as a global affairs professor, has co-authored articles arguing that abortion is safe, does not have long-term effects, and is 'freedom-enhancing.' In 2022, she co-wrote pieces claiming that 'almost 90% of abortions occur during the first 10 weeks of pregnancy when there are no babies or fetuses' and that 'criminalizing abortion results in irreparable harm.'
- Ostermann will assume her role as director of the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies in July 2026.
- In 2022, Ostermann co-authored articles defending abortion access and criticizing efforts to restrict it.
The players
Susan Ostermann
A professor at the University of Notre Dame who has publicly supported abortion access and will become the new director of the university's Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies in July 2026.
University of Notre Dame
A Catholic university that has stated its position on upholding the sanctity of human life, including on issues such as abortion.
What they’re saying
“As I step into this role, my primary focus is to serve as a steward for the Liu Institute mission in the context of the University's larger mission, and a facilitator for our world-class faculty.”
— Susan Ostermann (Fox News)
“I respect Notre Dame's institutional position on the sanctity of life at every stage. By fostering a collaborative space that values rigorous inquiry, we contribute in important ways to global development and human well-being.”
— Susan Ostermann (Fox News)
What’s next
The university's decision to appoint Ostermann as the Liu Institute's director is likely to continue sparking debate within the Notre Dame community and among Catholic leaders about the university's commitment to its pro-life values.
The takeaway
Notre Dame's decision to appoint a pro-abortion professor to lead its Asian studies institute raises concerns about the university's adherence to its Catholic mission and values, particularly its stance on the sanctity of human life. This move could have far-reaching implications for the university's reputation and its relationship with the broader Catholic community.
