He graduated cum laude with a B.A. from William and Mary and a Ph.D. from New York University, writing under visiting Australian bioethicist Peter Singer. Professor Pence also directs UAB's competitive Early Medical School Acceptance Program (EMSAP) and taught ethics for thirty-four years at the University of Alabama School of Medicine. In 2006, Samford University awarded him a Pellegrino Medal for achievement in medical ethics. In 2011, he switched from teaching in the medical school to chairing the UAB Department of Philosophy and directing EMSAP.
His most-known work has labeled him as a rebel in the scientific community. Some critics, especially GreenPeace of Europe, consider him an apologist for the safety of GM foods. As displayed in his many books on the subject of cloning (Who's Afraid of Cloning, etc.), he is one of the few bioethicists who believes that human cloning should not be banned but rather accepted in modern society as a medical marvel. In 2001, Pence testified before the US Congress against a bill that would have criminalized all aspects of human cloning. His opinions are illustrated in his many papers and books about assisted reproduction and human cloning.