In 2011, Father Peter West celebrated both his 20th anniversary as a priest, and 25 years of defending the right to life of the most vulnerable members of society. Fr. West came to Human Life International (HLI) as Vice President for Missions after 13 years with Priests for Life, with whom he served as Associate Director.
Fr. West earned an M.A. degree in theology from Holy Apostles Seminary in Cromwell, CT and was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Newark in 1991. Father West is the founder and director of Amicus, a successful Catholic young adult group for men and women in their twenties and thirties. He also has experience in working with youth as a teacher and a youth group leader. In his pastoral ministry, he has preached frequently on the topic of abortion and other life issues. He has been able to dissuade women from having abortions and has helped women who have had abortions to find healing and peace.
He spent almost seven years in pastoral ministry before being released by Archbishop Theodore McCarrick to serve with Priests for Life, where he served from April 1998 until accepting his position at HLI. In his 25 years of pro-life advocacy, he has spoken to both priests and laity at over 500 events, including presentations in all 50 states and in several nations worldwide. He has also appeared on radio and TV spreading the Gospel of Life.