On 30 April 1991, Priests for Life was approved as a Private Association of the Faithful by Archbishop John Quinn of San Francisco.
Priests for Life was founded by Fathers Lee Kaylor and Francis P. Filice to work for the promotion of life particularly through the end of abortion and euthanasia. It seeks to encourage and educate priests, bishops, and deacons in the promotion of life within their ministry. While the membership is primarily Catholic clergy, there are also lay auxiliary membership. Its present head is Father Frank Pavone.
In 2003, it received NGO status in the United Nations.