WASHINGTON, D.C., July 3, 2025 — Brent Leatherwood, president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, acclaimed the House for its final passage of a reconciliation package by today’s vote of 218-214. As the defunding of Planned Parenthood goes to President Trump’s desk to sign into law, Leatherwood urges the president to swiftly sign the bill.
Leatherwood commented on House passage:
“Establishing a true culture of life begins with stopping our taxpayer money from funding Planned Parenthood. That’s just what Congress has done.
“The ERLC congratulates Congress on the passage of this important reconciliation bill, which includes critical pro-life and pro-family policies. With both chambers now voting to defund Planned Parenthood for the first time in our nation’s history, this is a truly historic milestone for the sanctity of life.
“Although this provision is limited to one year, it lays the foundation for future action to prevent any taxpayer funding from being directed to the abortion industry. The pro-life movement spent half a century striving to overturn Roe. We will bring that same resolve toward shaping proposals to ensure not a single federal dollar will ever again subsidize the destruction of life.
“This bill also includes other meaningful steps that reflect a commitment to supporting families and ministries. We recognize the thoughtful work of Congress and look forward to the president signing it into law.”
For the first time in our country’s history, a piece of federal legislation will defund the nation’s largest abortion provider, Planned Parenthood, and any related entities for one year. This bill will also enact a pro-family Child Tax Credit, enhancing the Adoption Tax Credit, and benefit Christian nonprofits through a more generous charitable deduction framework. The ERLC urges the president to sign this bill into law without delay.
Read more about the ERLC’s efforts to defund Planned Parenthood and the big abortion industry here.
