ARTL applauds Secretary of State’s approval of the first-of-its-kind Monument to the Unborn at State Capitol

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 18, 2026

Arkansas Right to Life applauds Secretary of State’s approval of the first-of-its-kind Monument to the Unborn at State Capitol

LITTLE ROCK—Arkansas Right to Life is celebrating a major milestone in the long‑awaited effort to establish the nation’s first Monument to the Unborn on State Capitol grounds, following Arkansas Secretary of State Cole Jester’s final approval of the monument’s design.

The approval clears the way for the project—authorized under Act 310 of 2023—to move into its next phase. The monument recognizes the 236,243 unborn children lost to abortion in Arkansas between 1973 and 2022.

The Capitol Arts and Grounds Commission previously selected a “living wall” design, featuring plantings framed by a retaining wall, a concept closely tied to the work of Arkansas artist and pro‑life advocate Lakey Goff. A new lower-cost design approved by Secretary Jester is similar to earlier proposals supported by Sen. Kim Hammer and Rep. Mary Bentley, who championed the project since its inception.

Amber Singleton of Arkansas Right to Life expressed gratitude for the approval and for the many Arkansans who have worked tirelessly to bring the memorial to this point:

“Arkansas Right to Life is very pleased that the work on this pro-life monument can now move forward. We so appreciate all who worked so hard to see this idea come to fruition, including artist and advocate Lakey Goff, who so passionately believes in providing a place to remember those lives lost to abortion,” said Singleton

“Additionally, Senator Kim Hammer and Rep. Mary Bentley have given many hours to be sure the monument is put in place and that it is a credit to the State of Arkansas. Arkansas Right to Life is pleased to be a part of the process whereby people can get involved by buying a memorial paver, becoming a sponsor, or giving to this project which is the first of its kind in our country.”

Fundraising remains the determining factor for construction, with state officials noting that the project must be fully funded before work can begin. The lower cost of the selected design—estimated at $229,000, compared to earlier proposals exceeding $900,000—has encouraged optimism about donor participation.

Singleton said Arkansas Right to Life continues to lead fundraising efforts, offering memorial pavers for $100 and sponsorship opportunities at $1,000, $5,000, and $10,000, with sponsor recognition incorporated into the final display.

Once completed, the Monument to the Unborn will stand as the first‑in‑the‑nation memorial on any state capitol grounds, symbolizing Arkansas’s enduring commitment to protecting life in the post‑Roe era.

For more information or to support the project, visit ARTL.org/monument.