Washington, D.C., Feb. 18, 2025 —The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention has joined with SBC leaders and pastors in calling on legislators to take concrete steps in a reconciliation bill that would defund Planned Parenthood or its affiliates.
The statement, which unequivocally affirms the sanctity of every human life, including the preborn, was released Tuesday with an initial list of 50 signatories including SBC entity heads, SBC seminary presidents, past SBC presidents, SBC state executives and ERLC research fellows. Many more SBC leaders and pastors are expected to add their names to the letter in the days to come.
Brent Leatherwood, president of the ERLC, commented on the launch of the campaign.
“Southern Baptists have long held to a pro-life ethic. We have a special opportunity in light of the new Trump administration and Congress to join together and advocate for a vibrant culture of life to be implemented through the reconciliation process.
“It’s time to put an end to our taxpayer dollars going to fund the egregious taking of life at the hands of Planned Parenthood. Our hope is for Congress to recognize Southern Baptists’ support of this effort and our unwavering commitment to protecting preborn lives. May God use our efforts to advance a true culture of life in our country.”
More information about the ERLC’s campaign to defund Planned Parenthood can be found online.
