Life Prizes is an annual prize program awarding up to $600,000 for outstanding efforts to awaken the conscience of America to the sanctity of human life through public advocacy, scientific research, outreach and public disclosure activities, legal action and other noteworthy achievements. Life Prizes is an initiative of the Gerard Health Foundation, the private charity foundation of Raymond B. and Marilyn A. Ruddy, long-time pro-life philanthropists.

The purpose of Life Prizes is two-fold: to recognize those on the front lines of the greatest human rights battle of our day, and to encourage and inspire the next generation to accomplish great things for the cause of life.

The total prize amount of $600,000 will be divided among up to 6 individuals and/or organizations chosen as the winners. This year the prizes were awarded at a ceremony on January 23, 2009 at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.