Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 24, 2022—The Psalm 139 Project, a pro-life ministry of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, has donated two ultrasound machines to Portico, Inc. in Murfreesboro, Tenn and Gov. Bill Lee (R-Tenn.) will be speaking at a dedication ceremony Wednesday, Jan. 26 from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. CST at the clinic’s location at 726 South Church Street, Murfreesboro, Tenn., 37130.
One ultrasound machine was donated as a part of the state of Tennessee’s partnership with the ERLC’s Psalm 139 Project to place seven ultrasound machines during the 2021-2022 fiscal year. The partnership represents a total investment of $183,000 to place machines across the state. The second machine, a mobile unit, was donated by private funds given to the Psalm 139 Project.
“We are thrilled to partner alongside Portico and the incredible work they’re doing in Middle Tennessee,” said Elizabeth Graham, ERLC Vice President of Operations and Life Initiatives. “Through our partnership with the state of Tennessee in placing seven machines this fiscal year, I’m confident the hope of the gospel will continue to reach vulnerable women and preborn babies across this region. May we continue to advocate until abortion becomes illegal, unthinkable and unnecessary across the world.”
Portico was founded 35 years ago. The center serves Rutherford County in Murfreesboro, Tenn., and is the only center in the county. Portico offers services such as:
- Pregnancy testing
- Prenatal assessments
- Vitamins
- Ultrasounds
- STI testing and treatment
The clinic also offers parenting education through Earn While You Learn and Bright Course, and classes taught by medical staff. Through participation in these programs, clients can receive continuing education and material assistance for the first two years of their baby’s life. In addition to medical and education programs, sexual risk avoidance is taught in the local county schools through a program called Optimal Health for Me, or OH4M.
“We are so very grateful to the ERLC and its supporters for the wonderful blessing of two new ultrasound machines; one for our new location in Murfreesboro, and the other for our ICU Mobile Ultrasound RV,” said Portico’s executive director, Laura Messick. “We cannot tell you how grateful we are for God’s provision through your generous hearts. The ministry here will be able to provide years of services to vulnerable women because of your generous hearts. We praise God for His faithfulness and your obedience to His call!”
ERLC Acting President, Brent Leatherwood, ERLC’s Elizabeth Graham and Dr. Randy Davis, President and Executive Director of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, will be present at the service along with other state and local Baptist leaders.
One hundred percent of financial contributions designated to the Psalm 139 Project go toward purchasing ultrasound machines and providing training for workers. No Cooperative Program resources are used for these machines. Tax-deductible gifts may be made online to The Psalm 139 Project, or via check to ERLC, 901 Commerce Street, Nashville, Tenn., 37203. Learn more at psalm139project.com.
