Respected physician worked with author Francis Schaeffer on ‘extremely relevant’ pro-life book, video series

Former U.S. Surgeon General C. Everett Koop, who worked with noted author Francis Schaeffer on a pro-life book and video series, died Feb. 25 at his home in Hanover, N.H. Koop, who had been ill for several months and suffered kidney failure, was 96.

Known for his trademark bow ties, suspenders and gray beard, Koop served as surgeon general for eight years from 1981, taking sometimes controversial stands on abortion, AIDS, fatty foods, drugs and cigarettes—calling for warning labels on tobacco packaging.

A devout Presbyterian, Koop also co-wrote Whatever Happened to the Human Race? (Crossway, 1983) with Schaeffer. 

“I have a huge respect for Dr. Koop, and it was a privilege to be his publisher for Whatever Happened to the Human Race?,” said Lane Dennis, Crossway president and CEO. “He was a man of great godly integrity—someone who understood the implications of biblical truth and was not afraid to live his life according to these implications—which is a rare quality today, or at any time.”

The book, which analyzed the impact of abortion, infanticide and euthanasia, was turned into a DVD series with the same title and released by Vision Video. 

“Whatever Happened to the Human Race? is a title that continues to be a perennial best-seller for us as it contains a timeless message—the value of human life,” Vision Video President and General Manager William Curtis said. “It’s an extremely relevant message that still needs to be heard today.”

In September 1995, President Bill Clinton awarded Koop the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. Koop is survived by his wife, Cora, three children and eight grandchildren. His first wife of 69 years, Elizabeth, died in 2007. In 1968, Koop’s son, David, was killed in a rock climbing accident.

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