QUESTIONABLE SOURCE
A questionable source exhibits one or more of the following: extreme bias, consistent promotion of propaganda/conspiracies, poor or no sourcing to credible information, a complete lack of transparency, and/or is fake news. Fake News is the deliberate attempt to publish hoaxes and/or disinformation for profit or influence (Learn More). Sources listed in the Questionable Category may be very untrustworthy and should be fact-checked on a per-article basis. Please note sources on this list are not considered fake news unless specifically written in the reasoning section for that source. See all Questionable sources.
- Overall, we rate Human Life International (HLI) as right-biased and questionable based on the promotion of propaganda, pseudoscience, and misleading or false claims related to human sexuality and abortion.
Detailed Report
Questionable Reasoning: Pseudoscience, Propaganda, False Claims, Failed Fact Checks
Bias Rating: RIGHT
Factual Reporting: LOW
Country: USA
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rank: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Organization/Foundation
Traffic/Popularity: Minimal Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: LOW CREDIBILITY
History
Human Life International (HLI) is a Catholic, tax-exempt organization based in Front Royal, Virginia, founded in 1981 by Father Paul Marx. Originating from the Human Life Center established in 1972, HLI is a prominent pro-life and pro-family apostolate, active in over 100 countries, with Father Shenan J. Boquet as its president.
The organization is known for its strong opposition to same-sex marriage and its pro-life stance based on traditional Catholic beliefs, often reflected in its blog posts, which we analyzed below. HLI’s mission includes training and organizing leaders in the anti-abortion movement, encompassing priests, crisis pregnancy centers, civic leaders, and family counselors. Their activism is grounded in Catholic anti-abortion beliefs, advocating against contraceptives and supporting the criminalization of homosexuality in some countries.
Read our profile on the United States media and government.
Funded by / Ownership
Human Life International (HLI) is a tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization. Most of its funding comes from contributions, with total revenue in 2022 at around $2.83 million and expenses at $3.15 million. Notably, a significant portion of its expenses is executive compensation and other salaries.
Analysis / Bias
HLI adheres to a traditional view of marriage, exclusively between a man and a woman, and here in this article, “Supreme Court Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage: Things You Need to Know,” criticizes the U.S. Supreme Court’s legalization of same-sex marriage as overstepping constitutional limits. Their article, “Dealing with Same-Sex Attraction through the Sacred Heart,” controversially claims that homosexual orientation may link to gender-identity disturbances and suggests that specific interventions could reduce or eliminate same-sex attraction, a view not widely supported by scientific consensus. HLI’s stance opposes same-sex marriage, labeling it contrary to Christian doctrine and traditional family values.
HLI has a history of supporting political candidates aligned with their pro-life agenda. In 2010, HLI-Philippines backed Senator Manny Villar primarily due to his stance against the Reproductive Health Bill. The organization also considered other candidates, such as Ireland’s Abortion Referendum, indicating a strategic approach to endorsing political figures who align with their pro-life values.
In the U.S., initially, HLI expressed skepticism about Donald Trump’s pro-life stance, considering his past as a “pro-choice” New York liberal. However, this perspective shifted positively during Trump’s presidency as he pursued a pro-life agenda. HLI’s articles, such as “Trump’s Historic Speech at the March for Life,” commend Trump’s dedication to pro-life causes and his symbolic participation in the March for Life. Despite this, recent remarks by Trump criticizing the six-week abortion ban in Florida have led to HLI’s disappointment. The organization has criticized Trump for seemingly prioritizing public opinion over a consistent pro-life ethic.
In contrast to its view on Trump, HLI criticizes President Joe Biden for his evolving positions on abortion and LGBT issues, characterizing these changes as politically expedient rather than conviction-driven. The article “Abortion is Beyond Politics” portrays Biden as a career politician whose stances have shifted to align with the increasingly liberal views of the Democratic Party. This criticism reflects HLI’s disapproval of Biden’s current pro-abortion and pro-LGBT stances, which are seen as contrary to traditional Catholic values.
In general, Human Life International (HLI) holds right-leaning biases, particularly on same-sex marriage and abortion, and through their support for political figures who align with these stances. They are also not always fact-based due to their positions often conflicting with scientific understanding, especially regarding human sexuality and the promotion of pseudoscience to advance its agenda (See failed fact checks).
Failed Fact Checks
- The tetanus vaccine being administered contained hCG which would leave women infertile. – False
- Abortion increases the risk of breast cancer – False
- Hormonal birth control like the pill is the same thing as abortion. – False
Overall, we rate Human Life International (HLI) as right-biased and questionable based on the promotion of propaganda, pseudoscience, and misleading or false claims related to human sexuality and abortion. (M. Huitsing 12/24/2023)
Source: https://www.hli.org/
Last Updated on April 5, 2024 by Media Bias Fact Check
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