This Star Surfer Marches for Life: ‘Human Life Is…of the Utmost Value’

Published: January 29, 2025

This Star Surfer Marches for Life: ‘Human Life Is…of the Utmost Value’

By Movieguide® Contributor

Bethany Hamilton took a stand for life this month at March for Life 2025 in D.C.

“I just think children are truly a blessing from God, and human life is, to me, of the utmost value, and so today is a day to honor life,” Hamilton said at March for Life on Jan. 24. “Honor the babies that didn’t get outside of the womb and celebrate the life that God has given each and every one of us…no matter how hard it may get along the way.”

She addressed women who may consider abortion: “Just be willing to try even if you feel like you can’t do it. Chances are there’s a lot of people out there that want to help you overcome the hardship along the way and to celebrate life for the first and foremost.”

Hamilton was the keynote speaker at the event. She used her own story as a surfer whose arm was bitten off by a shark and as a mom of four to connect with the crowd. She highlighted how imperative it is that women have others’ support when they face an unplanned pregnancy.

“She’s struggling to have hope that she can do it. She’s being fed these lies that she can’t do it, and that that life has no value,” Hamilton said. “She’s scared, she’s alone, she’s overwhelmed, she feels like her life is upside down. She’s being told that death is better than life – but who are we to choose death on behalf of someone else?”

“When I lost my arm, someone came alongside of me and gave me hope, they reminded me of God’s love, and that maybe there was more to my life, and who knew what was possible? So these women, they need hope, they need encouragement, they need light in their life, and we as a society need to combat the lies that are being said to them each and every day.”

When she had her first pregnancy, Hamilton was scared. She felt like she couldn’t be a mom. The time was stressful because it coincided with the height of her career.

“[W]e so often put a career before our children, our family, our loved ones…” but “Now being a mother of four, they are my greatest joy, the most beautiful blessing, they are the high of my every single day,” she said.

“Yes, there’s challenges, and yes, it’s difficult at times, but the beauty sure outweighs the challenge. And I look forward to every single day, serving my beautiful children, and sharing life with them.”

Last year, Hamilton advertised for a pro-life diaper company, EveryLife. An ad shows her smiling over her newborn with her quote, “EveryLife believes what we believe – that every life is precious and should be protected.”

The movie about Hamilton’s story, SOUL SURFER, won a Teddy Bear Award®.