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WASHINGTON (July 24, 2000) -- Helen Alvare, Director of Planning and Information for the Pro-Life Secretariat of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops (NCCB), has resigned that post to become a professor at the Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America.
Since 1990, Ms. Alvare, who holds degrees in both law and theology, has been the Conference's spokeswoman on the abortion issue on television, radio, and in the print media. She has lectured extensively on various aspects of the topic, including law, morality and social policy, at national gatherings, academic assemblies, colleges and universities, and Catholic high schools.
"Helen Alvare has spoken to the cause of the sanctity of human life with eloquence and effectiveness," said NCCB president Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza of Galveston-Houston. "In doing so, she has made an enormous contribution to the greatest human rights issue of our day. To have influenced so many people, and especially young people, to take up the cause of protecting the unborn is a significant and lasting achievement," Bishop Fiorenza said. "It is gratifying to know that her great talent and commitment will be used at the Catholic University of America," he added.
Prior to assuming her current position, Ms. Alvare practiced law for six years, three years as a litigation associate for a private law firm, and three years with the Office of General Counsel of the United States Catholic Conference (USCC). In the latter position, she specialized in the law on abortion, euthanasia, and the First Amendment, co-authoring several amicus briefs entered by the USCC in the Supreme Court, including the Webster and Cruzan briefs. She received her law degree from Cornell University in 1984 and later received a masters in systematic theology from the Catholic University of America.
Helen Alvare lives in suburban Maryland with her husband Brian and three young children.