Pro-Life Pioneer, 'Worldwide Leader,' Dies at 89

An obstetrician who helped shape the pro-life movement, Dr. John Willke, passed away at his home in Cincinnati on Saturday at age 89.

His daughter, Marie Meyers, said the cause of death wasn't known. Willke had six children, 22 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

"The core of his life was caring for people as a husband, a father, and a doctor, and that caring extended to his life's work for unborn children and their mothers," Meyers said.

Willke founded the International Right to Life Federation, and retired from his medical practice in 1988 to focus his efforts on opposing abortion.

"He will be remembered as a great teacher and friend and stalwart leader in giving a voice to the most vulnerable in our society," Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine said in a statement.

DeWine said Willke was a "worldwide leader in the right to life movement."

In 1971, Willke co-authored the "Handbook on Abortion," with his late wife, Barbara at the height of the sexual revolution. The handbook, which sold 1.5 million copies, has been reprinted many times and in many languages.