What are “Pro-Mortalists,” and Why are They Blowing Things Up?

Today I learned a new word: pro-mortalist.

I came across the term in the same way I heard “incel” for the first time: one of them acted like an asshole and tried to hurt a bunch of people. That seems to be the case with the self-proclaimed “pro-mortalist” who attacked an in vitro fertilization clinic in Palm Springs, California on 17 May 2025.

This is a picture of the alleged perpetrator. Now that I think about it, this self-proclaimed pro-mortalist looks like he could easily fit into the incel camp as well.

There’s a manifesto—because of course there’s a manifesto—but I don’t think it has been made public yet and frankly I’m just not that interested in what a “self-described nihilist,” as he is described by police has to say.

So at first glance pro-mortalism seems like a term out of Greek mythology; a demigod who helps us mere mortals. Maybe like Prometheus. But now, this is kind of the opposite of that. In a world where most of us instinctively cling to life and fear death, pro-mortalism stands as a radically contrarian view. It’s not a morbid fascination or a death cult philosophy, but a serious ethical position that argues: Death may be good for us—and continuing to live might not be.

Yikes.

Defining Pro-Mortalism

At its core, pro-mortalism is the belief that it would be better, all things considered, if people ceased to exist. Specifically, many pro-mortalists argue that death is a benefit or that nonexistence is preferable to continued conscious life, even under reasonably good conditions.

It’s a subversive offshoot of antinatalism—the view that coming into existence is always a harm. While antinatalists oppose procreation, pro-mortalists go a step further: they argue that even those who already exist might be better off dead.

The Philosophical Justification

Most pro-mortalist arguments stem from reflections on suffering and the nature of desire. Thinkers like David Benatar, author of Better Never to Have Been, suggest that human life is fundamentally characterized by dissatisfaction, anxiety, and decay—even when it appears outwardly pleasant.

From this view:

• Death is not a harm, because to cease existing is to cease suffering.
• Life contains more bad than good, even for the “lucky” among us.
• Prolonging life prolongs harm, often through illness, aging, psychological distress, and unmet needs.

Pro-mortalists don’t necessarily call for suicide or euthanasia. Many oppose coercion or violence. Instead, they offer a contemplative ethical challenge: perhaps it’s not irrational to embrace mortality—or even prefer it.

Pro-Mortalism vs. Suicide Advocacy

So, if they are so pro… “mortal,” wouldn’t it be logical for pro-mortalists to just kill themselves and be done with it? I mean, if you dislike life so much you could–just not have one. Interestingly, it seems that pro-mortalism is not equivalent to promoting suicide. Some pro-mortalists argue from a purely theoretical standpoint, suggesting that nonexistence is preferable without urging action. Others frame it in terms of respect for autonomy and end-of-life dignity. The position can be secular, stoic, or existential—but it’s not necessarily nihilistic or self-destructive… although it sure seemed a little “destructive” in this case.

Why an In-Vitro Clinic?

In vitro clinics help women who have trouble getting pregnant on their own. Given that pro-mortalists don’t want more people being born, it seems logical (to them) to target such a locale. I’m sure it makes sense to them.

Pro-mortalism flies in the face of modern narratives of wellness, legacy, and human progress. It questions the value of longevity and even immortality. In a society built around survival and self-actualization, this worldview can be deeply unsettling.

Yet, in a time of climate crisis, overpopulation, and rising mental health struggles, some find pro-mortalist ideas increasingly worth considering. At the very least, it seeks to force us to ask uncomfortable but honest questions about what we value in life—and why.

While that might be a deep philosophical question for some, it’s not for me. I think life is a great thing, even with all of its faults and trials and ups and down. “At the end of the day “mortalism” is going to happen to all of us, on its own. It doesn’t need some skinny weirdo to help it along.

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Scott Faith is a veteran of a half-dozen combat deployments and has served in several different Special Operations units over the course of his Army career. Scott’s writing focuses largely on veterans’ issues, but he is also a big proponent of Constitutional rights and has a deep interest in politics. He often allows other veterans who request anonymity to publish their work under his byline. Scott welcomes story ideas and feedback on his articles and can be reached at havokjournal@havokmedia.com. 

As the Voice of the Veteran Community, The Havok Journal seeks to publish a variety of perspectives on a number of sensitive subjects. Unless specifically noted otherwise, nothing we publish is an official point of view of The Havok Journal or any part of the U.S. government.