ERLC’s Psalm 139 Project Dedicates Ultrasound Machine to Warrenton Pregnancy Center in Virginia
By / Jan 31

Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 30, 2023—The Psalm 139 Project, a pro-life ministry of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, in partnership with the Southern Baptist Convention of Virginia (SBCV), has donated an ultrasound machine to Warrenton Pregnancy Center in Warrenton, Va. 

Details for the dedication ceremony are below:

Date & time: Tuesday, Jan. 31, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. EST 

Location: 400 Holiday Ct., Suite 101, Warrenton, VA 20196

Attendees: ERLC Policy Manager Hannah Daniel will be in attendance 

“Placing ultrasound machines in pregnancy centers is always a joy for our staff at the ERLC,” said Rachel Wiles, director of the Psalm 139 Project. “But when we can partner with state conventions to place these machines, it’s an extra special blessing as we cooperate together to see lives changed.”

The machine was provided through a grant by the SBCV. Brandon Pickett, director of strategic initiatives and communications for the SBCV, commented on the partnership.

“The churches of the SBC of Virginia are thankful to be able to come alongside the Warrenton Pregnancy Center. We count it a privilege to be able to support this incredible ministry with our partner, the Psalm 139 Project. We pray that countless women, men, and families are loved and served because of the work of the Warrenton Pregnancy Center. We believe that we won’t know until eternity the lives that were changed because of our partnership in the Gospel.”

Warrenton Pregnancy Center was founded in September 2017 and opened in March 2018. This center has served Fauquier County for nearly five years, offering medical services including ultrasounds and medical-grade pregnancy tests, and educational programs such as advocacy, abstinence, parenting, post-abortion healing and material support. The city of Warrenton has a population of 10,000 and the surrounding communities make up a greater population of about 50,000. Warrenton Pregnancy Center is open five days a week and walk-ins are welcome.

“Our sonogram machine is 10 years old, so the new machine from ERLC is a great blessing to us,” said Patrick Novecosky, executive director of Warrenton Pregnancy Center. “The new technology will help our clients to see their babies more clearly and hear their child’s heartbeat with clarity. We’re grateful to the Psalm 139 Project for their generosity!”

One hundred percent of financial contributions designated to the Psalm 139 Project go toward purchasing ultrasound machines and providing training for workers. No ERLC 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.

How ultrasounds help moms choose life
By / Dec 16

The monitor turns on and a gentle thumping of a heartbeat appears. With every thump of the heartbeat, the handiwork of the Father is seen by a mother who is given the opportunity to choose life (Psalm 139). With every beat, the baby’s life says, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made, I am being knit together, I am seen and known by God.” Ultrasounds allow a window into the womb, moving more women to choose life after seeing their babies on screen than those who don’t have the same opportunity. This is the pulse of the Psalm 139 Project. 

The Psalm 139 Project exists to purchase and place ultrasound machines in Pregnancy Resource Centers (PRCs) and Women’s Health Centers (WHCs) around the country and train clinic staff for their use. Each placement allows abortion-vulnerable and abortion-determined women to get a glimpse of the life inside their womb. One hundred percent of all donations given to the Psalm 139 Project go toward the purchase of life-saving machines and training of the clinic staff who will utilize them.

In 2022, the Psalm 139 Project placed or committed to place 27 ultrasound machines across nine different states that are serving a wide variety of demographics within their communities. Some centers are located in major metropolitan areas while others are in small towns with limited prenatal care and pregnancy support. Rural areas requesting mobile units were a focus, as well clinics that were located near Planned Parenthood facilities. These life-saving placements represent the successful completion of our goal to place 50 machines by January 2023.

Life-saving technology 

Recently, an ultrasound was place at a PRC located in a pro-abortion state. Already, the Lord has used this technology to save a baby’s life. Here is the testimony from one of the staff members at New Hope Family Services in Syracuse, New York: 

“We had our very first life saved on our mobile unit today—with the machine we received from the ERLC! Our mobile ultrasound van was parked outside of Planned Parenthood this morning. A woman had been going into Planned Parenthood this morning for an abortion. She was on the phone with her pastor, crying. One of the sidewalk advocates started talking to her before she went in, and she expressed that she wasn’t sure she was making the right decision. She agreed to come to our unit for an ultrasound and upon seeing her baby on the screen and hearing the heartbeat, she chose LIFE!

“She already has other children and is sleeping on a family member’s couch. Our nurse called our office and arranged for her to meet with one of our staff members here at our brick-and-mortar location for counseling. So she came right over and we gave her diapers and other things she needed for her kids and gave her referrals for housing. Shortly after, I got a text from the executive director of a maternity home in our area. He and I had just been on a Zoom call yesterday where he shared that they only had one spot left and that their call volume is up 86% over last year. So I was surprised when he texted and said that she was going to be moving in there! 

“He said: ‘We literally have one two-room suite available that we have been holding in case we got a call from a pregnant woman who already had children. She just sent the sweetest text to our hotline thanking us so much for the opportunity and letting us know that she thought about it and decided that it was a good fit and she wanted to move in.’ God was saving this room just for her!!! Sadly, she told the caseworker at the maternity home that the pregnancy center and maternity home were the only people who spoke positively to her about her baby. Everyone else said ‘you went and got pregnant again’ and her boyfriend fled and said, ‘get rid of it.’ So we are praising God for this life saved today! Thank you for being part of this story by giving us the grant for the machine and nurse’s training.”

At the ERLC, we believe in standing for the life of preborn children as well as caring for the well-being of women. Through hearing the heartbeat of a preborn child, caring for the pregnant woman regardless of where she finds herself, or education others about the truth that each life has dignity, we desire to widely share the beauty of this holistic, pro-life vision. 

The pro-life movement requires us all working together to continue to see a shift in this country to make abortion unthinkable for women and to show them the true value of the life within their womb.  We would like to invite you to join us in this vital work through the Psalm 139 Project in 2023.

You can learn more about how you can help save preborn lives and raise $100,000 by Dec. 31, 2022, so we can place three more ultrasound machines in pro-abortion states like Illinois, Michigan, and California in 2023.

ERLC’s Psalm 139 Project dedicates ultrasound machine to Sav-A-Life, Inc.
By / Oct 31

Nashville, Tenn., Oct. 31, 2022—The Psalm 139 Project, a pro-life ministry of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, in partnership with the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, has donated an ultrasound machine to Sav-A-Life, Inc., the largest pregnancy care ministry in the state of Alabama.  

The ultrasound machine and training was completely funded by the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions and will be used at Sav-A-Life’s newest clinic located Birmingham, Ala.  

The dedication ceremony will be held Tuesday, Nov. 1 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. CDT at the Crestwood location, 1449 Medical Park South, Suite 300, Birmingham, AL, 35213. Mike Jackson, associate executive director for the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, will attend the dedication along with Joe Godfrey, ERLC trustee and consultant with the Alabama Citizen’s Action Program.  

“As a member of the ERLC board, I was excited to learn about the Psalm 139 Project and to have a small part in placing a new ultrasound machine in Birmingham,” said Godfrey. “We are grateful for the leadership and commitment of the ERLC to the prolife movement in America, but we are also grateful for the support of the Birmingham Metro Baptist Association and the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions for their financial support in this specific machine being placed here in Birmingham. It is the cooperative efforts of local, state and national ministries that has made this possible.” 

Sav-A-Life was founded in 1980 to provide a safe place for women considering abortion. The ministry helps women in unplanned pregnancy situations by providing for both physical and spiritual needs. The ministry provides free and confidential medical services such as:  

  • Pregnancy tests;
  • Ultrasounds;
  • STD/STI testing;
  • Treatment for women and men;
  • Educational programs; 
  • Post abortion recovery for moms and dads. 

There are three clinics associated with Sav-A-Life in the greater Birmingham area. The ultrasound machine provided for the Crestwood clinic will be open three days each week. All three centers are located within five to eight miles of a Planned Parenthood. 

“God has really done an amazing work bringing this center to the east side of Birmingham,” said Lisa Hogan, executive director of Sav-A-Life. “We know the need is great to serve women and families in an unplanned pregnancy situation and ultrasound is a critical tool as it reveals life in the womb. We are so grateful to the Psalm 139 Project and the Alabama State Board of Missions for making this a reality for us.”  

One hundred percent of financial contributions designated to the Psalm 139 Project go toward purchasing ultrasound machines and providing training for workers. No ERLC 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.

ERLC’s Psalm 139 Project dedicates ultrasound machines to Confidential Care Mobile Ministry and Hope of the Delta
By / Oct 25

Nashville, Tenn., Oct. 25, 2022—The Psalm 139 Project, a pro-life ministry of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, in partnership with the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, has donated an ultrasound machine to Confidential Care Mobile Ministry in Millington, Tenn. The Psalm 139 Project has also donated an ultrasound machine to Hope of the Delta  in West Memphis, Ark., as a part of the ERLC’s mission to place 50 ultrasound machines in pregnancy care centers by 2023.

Both dedication ceremonies will be held on Friday, Oct. 28. Details are below:

Confidential Care Mobile Ministry

Date & time: Friday, Oct. 28, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. CDT 
Location: 16228 US Highway 51 North, Millington, TN, 38053
Attendees: ERLC’s Director of the Psalm 139 Project, Rachel Wiles, will be present at the event along with Tennessee Baptist Mission Board’s Compassion Ministry Specialist, Beth Moore. 

“It is our joy, on behalf of Tennessee Baptist churches, to partner with the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission in providing a new life-saving ultrasound machine to Confidential Care in Millington,” said Randy Davis, executive director of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board. “The generous Cooperative Program and Golden Offering for Tennessee Missions giving from TBC churches makes this bold support possible. Together, we stand for life.”

Confidential Care Mobile Ministry was founded in 1996 and has three mobile units that provide counseling, pregnancy tests and ultrasounds for clients. The mobile ministry serves eight locations within Shelby County, Tenn. Each mobile unit is equipped with ultrasound equipment and is staffed by medical ministry teams, including a licensed registered nurse and a patient care provider. This specific machine placement is for the ministry’s third mobile unit.

“With the overturn of Roe, we anticipate thousands of women this year in the Mid-South will be seeking a way to obtain an out-of-state abortion,” said Cathy Waterbury, executive director of Confidential Care Mobile Ministry. “The addition of our continuum-of-care vehicle, equipped with this new ultrasound machine, will enable us to go to these women and show them that a new human being is alive within their womb. Once they see the living child on the monitor, many will choose life. This gift of an ultrasound in the hands of our medical ministry team will mean life for hundreds of preborn human babies and will open the door for a clear introduction to the giver of that life.”

Hope of the Delta

Date & time: Friday, Oct. 28, 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. CDT
Location: 308 S. Rhodes Street, West Memphis, AR 72301
Attendees: ERLC’s Director of the Psalm 139 Project, Rachel Wiles, will be present at the event along with ERLC Trustee, Todd Howard.

Hope of the Delta was founded in 2001 by Harmony Baptist Association. They have locations in Pine Bluff, West Memphis and Stuttgart, Ark., and a mobile unit that serves five counties. The center’s purpose is to ensure that women, men, students and families have a safe place to turn when facing pregnancy decisions, making sexual health choices and seeking emotional healing from pregnancy loss, abortion or miscarriage. Hope of the Delta serves approximately 700 clients annually. They offer medical services such as:

  • Pregnancy testing;
  • Limited obstetrical ultrasounds;
  • STD screenings; 
  • Prenatal and parenting classes;
  • Fatherhood programs;
  • Post-abortion and sexual abuse recovery. 

“The ultrasound machine is vital to saving unborn lives by providing mothers with a picture of their baby and the sound of its heartbeat,” said Tamela Turbeville, executive director of Hope of the Delta.

One hundred percent of financial contributions designated to the Psalm 139 Project go toward purchasing ultrasound machines and providing training for workers. No ERLC 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.

The Sexual Abuse Task Force recommendations, Psalm 139 Project, and a shortage of baby formula
By / Jun 3

In this episode, Brent and Lindsay discuss the Sexual Abuse Task Force recommendations, the Psalm 139 Project teaming up with former NFL player Ben Watson, and the baby formula shortage. They also discuss the debates on the Hill about gun control, and weeping with those who weep. 

ERLC Content

Culture

Lunchroom

Connect with us on Twitter

Sponsors

  • Dobbs Resource Page Prayer Guide | Right now, the Supreme Court is considering a major Mississippi abortion case called Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. The ERLC and other pro-life organizations filed an amicus brief in this case urging the Supreme Court to overturn the disatrous Roe v. Wade decision. Members of our team also joined pro-life advocates on the steps of the Supreme Court when oral arguments were heard last December. As we approach the Supreme Court’s final decision in June of this year, it’s important for Christians to pray for this landmark case and begin preparing our churches to serve vulnerable women and children in a potential post-Roe world. Download our free prayer guide at ERLC.com/Dobbs.
  • Sexual Ethics Resource Page |Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the constant stream of entertainment and messages that challenge the Bible’s teachings on sexual ethics? It often feels like we’re walking through uncharted terrority. But no matter what we face in our ever-shifting culture, God’s design for human sexuality has never changed. The ERLC’s new sexual ethics resource page is full of helpful articles, videos, and explainers that will equip you to navigate these important issues with truth and grace. Get these free resources at ERLC.com/sexualethics. That’s ERLC.com/sexualethics.

State constitutions and abortion, the SBTC/Psalm 139 Project partnership, and the Buffalo shooting
By / May 20

In this episode, Brent and Lindsay discuss state constitutions and abortion, the SBTC and a partnership with the Psalm 139 Project, and the shootings in Buffalo and California. They also discuss the crackdown on churches in Hong Kong and the reasons why people migrate. 

ERLC Content

Culture

Lunchroom

Connect with us on Twitter

Sponsors

  • Dobbs Resource Page Prayer Guide | Right now, the Supreme Court is considering a major Mississippi abortion case called Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. The ERLC and other pro-life organizations filed an amicus brief in this case urging the Supreme Court to overturn the disatrous Roe v. Wade decision. Members of our team also joined pro-life advocates on the steps of the Supreme Court when oral arguments were heard last December. As we approach the Supreme Court’s final decision in June of this year, it’s important for Christians to pray for this landmark case and begin preparing our churches to serve vulnerable women and children in a potential post-Roe world. Download our free prayer guide at ERLC.com/Dobbs.
  • Dobbs Resource Page | Many Christians are aware that an important case about abortion is being decided at the Supreme Court this June. But for many, this case is confusing and wrapped in a lot of legal jargon. The ERLC wants to help with that, so we’ve created a resource page that will help you and your church understand what this case means, what could happen if Roe v. Wade is overturned, and how your church can prepare to serve vulnerable women and children in the aftermath. To learn more about the Dobbs case and how you can pray, visit ERLC.com/Dobbs.

ERLC’s pro-life ministry, the Psalm 139 Project, to dedicate ultrasound machine to Citrus Pregnancy Center in Inverness, Fla.
By / Feb 2

Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 2, 2022—The Psalm 139 Project, a pro-life ministry of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, has donated an ultrasound machine to Citrus Pregnancy Center. There will be a dedication ceremony Friday, Feb. 4 from 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. EST at the clinic’s location at 3185 East Thomas St., Inverness, FL, 34453.

Training for the ultrasound machine took place in October 2021. ERLC staff will be in attendance along with Baptist associational leaders and local pastors. 

“Citrus Pregnancy Center has been a faithful advocate for vulnerable women and preborn children for many years,” said Elizabeth Graham, ERLC’s vice president of operations and life initiatives. “We are grateful for the Lord’s provision in allowing us to place an ultrasound machine in this part of Florida. Our hope is that many women will be compelled to choose life when they see their baby in the womb. The opportunity to place this machine is one more step toward the goal of standing for life and making abortion unthinkable and unnecessary in the world.”

Citrus Pregnancy Center was founded in 1999 by a group of Baptist pastors who saw a need in the community. The center has a close connection to Nature Coast Baptist Association and is supported by numerous churches throughout the area. Citrus has two locations on opposite ends of the county. The main office is located in Inverness while Crystal River serves as the  second location. The clinic serves about 550 clients a year, and the Inverness location offers services such as: 

  • Pregnancy testing; 
  • OB sonograms; 
  • Parenting training;
  • Fatherhood program;
  • Abortion recovery;
  • Adoption education and referrals; and
  • Counseling. 

“The sonogram machine the Psalm 139 Project placed in our center is amazing,” said Barb Gosa, executive director of Citrus Pregnancy Center. “The entire placement process went so smooth and was such a blessing. The time our nurses got to spend with their trainer/installer equipped them to have the confidence they needed to use this new machine to its full potential and not allow the newness of it to be a distraction in giving the women we see their full attention.”

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.

ERLC’s pro-life ministry, the Psalm 139 Project, to dedicate ultrasound machine for mobile unit at Hope Pregnancy Center in College Station, Texas
By / Feb 1

Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 1, 2022—The Psalm 139 Project, a pro-life ministry of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, has donated a portable ultrasound machine for a mobile unit at Hope Pregnancy Center of Brazos Valley, Inc. The ministry will hold a dedication ceremony Wednesday, Feb. 2 from 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. CST at the clinic’s location at 205 Brentwood Dr. East, College Station, TX 77840.

The training course for the mobile unit took place in November 2021. ERLC Vice President of Operations and Life Initiatives, Elizabeth Graham, will be in attendance at the dedication ceremony.

“We are so thankful for our friendship with Philip Bethancourt that led to our connection with Hope Pregnancy Center,” said Graham. “Through generous donations, we are able to serve this community in East Texas by providing a life-saving ultrasound machine. When vulnerable women have the opportunity to see their preborn child in the womb, the likelihood that they will choose life rises to 80 percent. By God’s grace, Hope Pregnancy Center can continue to serve this region and work to make abortion unthinkable and unnecessary in our day.”

Hope Pregnancy Center first opened in Bryan, Texas, in 1985. They have operated at three different locations over the years, but presently have one location located in College Station, Texas. This location has been in operation for 20 years and recently started a mobile ministry to serve five surrounding counties that do not have pregnancy centers. 

The center sees an average of 1,800 clients per year and offers services such as: 

  • Pregnancy testing; 
  • Options consultation; 
  • Limited obstetric ultrasounds; 
  • Parenting classes (especially geared towards the international students of Texas A&M University, which is three blocks from the center); 
  • Pregnancy loss support; 
  • Post-abortion healing; 
  • Benevolence; 
  • Fatherhood program.

“Our experience with ERLC has been unexpected and powerful,” said Hope Pregnancy Center Executive Director, Carol Dodds. “We had no idea how we were going to get an ultrasound machine for our new mobile services program. A new pastor in our community, Phillip Bethancourt, came to visit the center and heard of our need. As the former executive vice president of the ERLC, he knew exactly who could help us. He made connections for us, and within weeks we were on the road to this tremendous blessing that came sprinkled with new partnerships and full hearts. In a time when the world is full of worry, the ERLC’s gift of an ultrasound machine for our mobile program lifted a very heavy burden. For that, we are eternally grateful. That window-to-the-womb can now reveal life to mothers in our community who might be unsure about their pregnancies.”

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.

ERLC’s pro-life ministry, the Psalm 139 Project, to dedicate two ultrasound machines to Portico, Inc. in Murfreesboro, Tenn.
By / Jan 24

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.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee to speak at Birth Choice for Psalm 139 Project’s ultrasound placement
By / Nov 11

Nashville, Tenn., Nov. 11, 2021—The Psalm 139 Project, a pro-life ministry of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, has donated an ultrasound machine to Birth Choice in Jackson, Tenn., and Gov. Bill Lee (R-Tenn.) will be speaking at a dedication ceremony Friday, Nov. 12 from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. CST at the clinic’s location at 391 Wallace Rd, Jackson, TN, 38305. 

Earlier this year, Gov. Lee and Tennessee legislative leaders allocated $182,900 in the 2021-2022 budget for a partnership with the Psalm 139 Project to place life-saving ultrasound machines across the state of Tennessee. 

“I am thrilled to partner with our friends at Birth Choice in Jackson, Tenn., in dedicating this life-saving ultrasound machine and support them in their mission to share the hope of the gospel with West Tennessee,” said Elizabeth Graham, ERLC vice president of operations and life initiatives. “The center is doing remarkable work to serve vulnerable mothers and save preborn babies. I’m grateful for the generous partnership between our state leaders, including Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, and the Psalm 139 Project so we can gift centers like Birth Choice with these life-saving machines at no cost to them. We will continue this work until abortion becomes illegal, unthinkable and unnecessary across the world.”

Birth Choice has been in operation for more than 33 years and became a medical clinic 15 years ago. They have two brick-and-mortar locations in Jackson and Trenton, as well as two mobile units that serve five counties in West Tennessee: Fayette (Somerville), Hardeman (Bolivar), Hardin (Savannah), Haywood (Brownsville) and Henderson (Lexington). Birth Choice serves approximately 800 clients each year and provides services such as:

  • Pregnancy testing
  • Ultrasounds
  • Counseling
  • STD testing
  • Information on abortion procedures and risks
  • Parenting program
  • After-abortion healing program
  • Abstinence education for schools and youth groups

“Our new ultrasound machine enables us not only to minister to three counties that have high abortion rates with no pregnancy center available to them, it also makes it possible to send out mobile units to them twice a week,” said Birth Choice Executive Director Brent Lambert. “The ERLC has truly made these babies’ pictures worth a thousand words and enables these babies to live a thousand dreams in a life that is very unsure for many of them.”

ERLC’s Acting President Brent Leatherwood will be present at the dedication service along with Baptist state and associational leaders.

The ERLC’s Psalm 139 Project focuses on aiding pregnancy resource centers by securing ultrasound machines and providing training for their use. The centers use the machines in their life-saving work to support women and families in crisis pregnancy situations, helping many to make the choice for life.

One hundred percent of financial contributions designated to the Psalm 139 Project go toward purchasing ultrasound machines and training. No Cooperative Program resources are used to purchase these machines or pay for the training. 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