Savannah Craven Antao, a Catholic pro-life activist, was assaulted in New York City while conducting a video interview. The assault occurred during a discussion with a pro-abortion advocate, with the assailant reportedly becoming enraged. Antao, working as a Live Action activist, sustained injuries and received medical attention, including stitches. Footage and images of the assault were shared online, highlighting the incident's severity. Details of the assault are currently under investigation.
21 days ago
Savannah Craven Antao, a Catholic pro-life activist, was assaulted in New York City on April 3, 2025, while conducting a video interview with a pro-abortion advocate 1 2. The assailant, enraged during the discussion, punched Antao in the face 1 2. The incident occurred while Antao was working as an activist with Live Action 1 2.
Antao has been a pro-life advocate for years and regularly conducts street interviews for her YouTube channel and other organizations 1 2. Her Catholic faith informs her pro-life beliefs, motivating her activism, particularly concerning the number of abortions among Black and brown babies in New York City 1 2. During the interview, the pro-abortion advocate agreed that abortion kills a baby and knew how the procedure worked 1 2. The assault occurred after Antao challenged a claim made by the woman 1 2.
Live Action President Lila Rose shared footage and images of the assault on social media, condemning the violence 1 2. Rose expressed gratitude for Antao's bravery and affirmed that no one should face physical assault for expressing their views in public 1 2. Live Action stated they were deeply grateful for Antao's work and were providing support 1 2.
Following the assault, Antao was taken to the hospital and received stitches 1 2. She is raising money for a security fund via her YouTube channel 1 2. Despite the attack, Antao expressed sympathy for her assailant, hoping she finds peace 1 2. Antao affirmed that the assault would not deter her from continuing her pro-life efforts 1 2.
The Catholic Church teaches that every human person possesses inherent dignity because they are created in the image and likeness of God . This dignity is not based on any individual's abilities, circumstances, or condition, but rather on their very being as a member of the human species . As Pope Francis states, human beings possess an intrinsic worth superior to that of material objects . This dignity is inalienable and inviolable, meaning it cannot be taken away or forfeited . The Church insists that this dignity remains "in all circumstances" . Any violation of human dignity is considered an offense against the Creator .
Catholic teaching recognizes the legitimacy of self-defense. Love toward oneself remains a fundamental principle of morality . The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that legitimate defense is not only a right but also a grave duty for someone responsible for another's life . Defending one's own life or the life of another is permissible, even if it results in harm or death to the aggressor, provided that the force used is proportionate . One is not guilty of murder if forced to deal a lethal blow in self-defense . However, the use of more than necessary force is considered unjust . The Catechism clarifies that the act of self-defense can have a double effect: the preservation of one's own life and the killing of the aggressor, with the former being intended and the latter not .
In the context of the news article, the assault on the pro-life activist, Savannah Craven Antao, is a direct violation of her human dignity. The Church teaches that every individual, regardless of their views or activities, is entitled to respect and protection of their inherent dignity . The physical assault constitutes a grave offense against Antao's person, treating her as an object rather than a person with inviolable worth .
While Antao had the right to defend herself, the situation escalated quickly, leaving little opportunity for measured self-defense. The Church acknowledges the right to self-defense, it also emphasizes the importance of using proportionate force . The primary purpose of self-defense is the preservation of life, and the force used should not exceed what is necessary to repel the aggressor .
The assault on Savannah Craven Antao is a violation of her inherent human dignity, as affirmed by Catholic teachings. While the Church recognizes the right to self-defense, it also emphasizes the importance of proportionality and the preservation of life. This incident underscores the need for respect and dialogue in the public square, even amidst disagreement, and highlights the Church's consistent call to uphold the dignity of every human person.