ERLC’s pro-life ministry, the Psalm 139 Project, to dedicate ultrasound machine to Gate Pregnancy Resource Center in Concord, N.C.
By / Feb 10

Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 10, 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 Gate Pregnancy Resource Center, located at Cabarrus Dream Center in Concord, N.C., which is a centralized location that exists to unite local organizations in providing the underserved with assistance and resources pertaining to alleviation of poverty, homelessness, drug abuse/addiction, family crises, human trafficking, behavioral health challenges and housing disparity. 

The center will hold a dedication ceremony Tuesday, Feb. 15 from 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EST at the clinic’s location at 280 Concord Pkwy, suite 119, Concord, NC 28027.

The training course for the unit took place in October 2021 and will be placed at the clinic’s second location serving the Concord, N.C. community. 

“The work of the Gate Pregnancy Resource Center is invaluable to the state of North Carolina,” said Elizabeth Graham, ERLC vice president of operations and life initiatives. “We are thankful for the ways Cabarrus Dream Center provides holistic care for the most vulnerable in their community. With this ultrasound placement, more women will be empowered to choose life. This work is precious and we are grateful to God that we are one step further in the process to make abortion unthinkable and unnecessary in our day.”

Gate Pregnancy Resource Center is celebrating more than 15 years serving the Harrisburg area as a pregnancy education center. In 2021, the executive director, Kathy Bridge, transitioned the center to a medical clinic and opened a second location to serve the Concord community. Gate PRC offers:  

  • Free pregnancy testing;
  • Ultrasounds;
  • Prenatal vitamins;
  • Bi-weekly coaching. 

“We are grateful to the Psalm 139 Project for providing an ultrasound machine to our newest location at the Cabarrus Dream Center in Concord, North Carolina,” said Kathy Bridge, executive director of Gate Pregnancy Resource Center. “Being a part of the Dream Center and offering our services to an underserved community is Gate Pregnancy Resource Center’s greatest desire. Our mission is to bring hope, help and healing to our clients, and the gift of an ultrasound machine provides us with the means to do just that.”

Todd Unzicker, executive director-treasurer of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, and Brian Upshaw, associate executive director of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, will be attending the dedication ceremony along with other ERLC staff members.

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 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

ERLC’s pro-life ministry, The Psalm 139 Project, dedicates ultrasound machine to pregnancy resource center in Maryville, Tennessee
By / Oct 20

Nashville, Tenn., Oct. 20, 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 Pregnancy Resource Center in Maryville, Tenn., as a part of a strategic partnership with Gov. Bill Lee (R-Tenn.) and Tennessee state legislative leaders to place life-saving ultrasound machines in pregnancy resource centers across the state. 

The machine was placed at Pregnancy Resource Center in mid-September, and the center will host a dedication ceremony, Oct. 21 at 5:30 p.m. EST at their location, 103 Station Drive, Maryville, Tenn., 37804.

The partnership between the ERLC’s Psalm 139 Project and Tennessee represents a total investment of $183,000 to place machines across the state. One hundred percent of financial contributions to the Psalm 139 Project go toward purchasing ultrasound machines and training for their use.

“Our ability to partner with Pregnancy Resource Center in Maryville holds a special place in my heart as this is my hometown and a community I’ve grown up in since childhood,” said Elizabeth Graham, ERLC vice president of operations and life initiatives. “I’m confident the wonderful staff at Pregnancy Resource Center will provide life-saving care and the hope of the gospel to vulnerable women and preborn babies across East Tennessee. I am especially grateful for the generous partnership between our state leaders and the Psalm 139 Project so we can serve centers like Pregnancy Resource Center with these life-saving machines at no cost to them. We will continue to advocate for the vulnerable until abortion becomes illegal, unthinkable and unnecessary across the world.”

Pregnancy Resource Center opened in 1986 and is a medical pregnancy clinic providing pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, sexually transmitted disease testing and support programs. They average around 25-35 patients a week and also have a mobile medical unit that serves the surrounding counties. They see approximately 1,200 clients per year.

“As we are about to embark on an expansion of our ministry, it is critical that we are able to provide a window into the womb to families facing unexpected pregnancies,” said Pregnancy Resource Center Executive Director Valerie Millsapps. “The placement of this ultrasound machine is already at work helping brave families make life decisions for their preborn children.”

ERLC’s Elizabeth Graham will be present at the dedication service along with local pastors and other community 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 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.

SBC 2021 highlights and the Fulton religious liberty victory
By / Jun 18

On this episode, Josh, Lindsay, and Brent highlights from the SBC 2021 and the religious liberty victory in the Fulton v. City of Philadelphia Supreme Court ruling.

ERLC Content

Culture

  1. Baptist Press: WRAP-UP: SBC elects Litton, takes control of EC investigation
  2. ERLC Annual Report: ERLC: Ultrasound placements continue to expand
  3. ERLC calls Supreme Court ruling in Fulton “a decisive 9-0 win for religious freedom”
  4. Light Magazine: The Road to ROE50: The Future of the Pro-life Movement
  5. SBC funny highlights: A/C guy; Lotties; Don’t flex at me

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Sponsors

  • Love your church: This engaging book by Tony Merida explores what church is, why it’s exciting to be a part of it, and why it’s worthy of our love and commitment. | Find out more about this book at thegoodbook.com

ERLC’s Psalm 139 Project dedicated new ultrasound machine to Safe Harbor Pregnancy Medical Center in Pensacola, Florida
By / Jun 2

Nashville, Tenn., June 2, 2021—The Psalm 139 Project, a pro-life ministry of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, dedicated a new ultrasound machine to Safe Harbor Pregnancy Medical Center  in Pensacola, Fla., at a dedication ceremony Friday, May 28.

The event was held at Safe Harbor Pregnancy Medical Center (2280 North 9th Avenue, Pensacola, FL 32503), May 28 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST.

The 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. 

Elizabeth Graham, ERLC’s vice president of operations and life initiatives, was in attendance at the ceremony along with other state and local leaders.

“On behalf of the ERLC and Psalm 139 Project, I am thrilled to partner alongside Safe Harbor Pregnancy Medical Center in placing this life-saving ultrasound machine,” said Graham. “I pray this machine will save many lives as the wonderful staff at Safe Harbor continues providing for women and families in need. It is truly an honor to be a part of the courageous work they’re doing in the Pensacola region to care for women and uphold the dignity of every human life.”

Safe Harbor Pregnancy Medical Center was established in 1989 and is located in the heart of Pensacola. The center sees approximately 900 clients per year and provides a range of free services including: pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, pregnancy options education, pregnancy/parenting program, fatherhood program, abortion recovery program, and access to infant and maternal resources in their baby boutique. Notably, the center is less than five miles from an abortion clinic.

“We are thrilled to be a recipient of a brand new, state-of-the-art ultrasound machine from the Psalm 139 Project,” said Deedra Miller, executive director of Safe Harbor Pregnancy Medical Center. “Our partnership with ERLC is sure to save more lives by giving us the ability to provide vital information to women in the Pensacola area facing a difficult pregnancy decision. This new ultrasound machine will allow them to see their baby for the first time — giving them a perspective they may not have considered before. We are excited for what God will do through this amazing ministry too.”

Rick Wheeler, president & CEO of Florida Baptist Financial Services, was among those in attendance and said, “The Lord has placed on our hearts to be faithful through generosity from our own operations by investing in causes that reflect the heart of our churches. As we began praying through the opportunities, it was clear that partnering with the ERLC through the Psalm 139 Project was a priority.” Wheeler continued, “The way the Lord directed us to Pensacola and specifically to Safe Harbor Pregnancy Medical Center was nothing short of divine guidance. There is a deep sense of gratitude and joy when you know you are on God’s page, partnering with others to do his will. This partnership also represents the best of who we are as Southern Baptists as area churches, the local association, Florida Baptist Financial Services, and the ERLC all locked arms in a unified effort to support this vital ministry to the greater Pensacola area. When God’s people do God’s work, God’s way, his mission advances, and he gets all the glory! In the days ahead, by God’s grace, we hope to continue to partner with others to see more machines placed so that the entire state of Florida has this service available and convenient to people within their community.”

Earlier this month, the ERLC’s Psalm 139 Project dedicated two new ultrasound machines to Hope Resource Center in Knoxville, Tenn. In 2020, the project placed ultrasound machines at Palmetto Women’s Center in Rock Hill, S.C.; Mosaic Sexual Health Clinic in Tallahassee, Florida; and Care Net Pregnancy Center of Las Cruces in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The ERLC announced in December 2020 that the Psalm 139 Project would be donating 10 ultrasound machines to pregnancy resource centers across the country. This is the most machines the ERLC has ever placed in one year. 

The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention and all of its subordinate ministries are accredited by the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. Tax-deductible gifts may be made to ERLC, 901 Commerce Street, Nashville, Tenn., 37203. Learn more at psalm139project.com.

Tennessee partners with ERLC’s Psalm 139 Project to place ultrasound machines across the state
By / May 17

Nashville, Tenn., May 17, 2021—Gov. Bill Lee and state legislative leaders in Tennessee have asked the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission to identify pregnancy resource centers across the state to receive life-saving ultrasound machines through the Psalm 139 Project, a pro-life ministry of the organization.

With the governor’s signing off the 2021-2022 budget, the Psalm 139 Project will receive a total grant of $183,000 to place machines in Tennessee. One hundred percent of financial contributions to the Psalm 139 Project go toward purchasing ultrasound machines and providing training for workers.

“The ERLC has a long track record of placing life-saving ultrasound machines in centers that serve women and families,” said Russell Moore, president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission. “We are humbled to be asked to identify clinics across Tennessee with this request and now that Gov. Lee has signed this budget, we will do just that.”

“The Psalm 139 Project allows the ERLC the honor of aiding pregnancy resource centers by securing ultrasound machines and providing training for their staff,” said Elizabeth Graham, ERLC’s vice president of operations and life initiatives. “For us, as Christians, we do this work because we believe, as the Psalmist writes, that every person is fearfully and wonderfully made and known by God from the very beginning.” 

In 2020, the ERLC’s Psalm 139 Project placed an ultrasound machine at Palmetto Women’s Center in Rock Hill, S.C.; Mosaic Sexual Health Clinic in Tallahassee, Florida; and another ultrasound machine at Care Net Pregnancy Center of Las Cruces in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The ERLC announced in December 2020 that the Psalm 139 Project would be donating 10 ultrasound machines to pregnancy resource centers across the country. This is the most machines the ERLC has ever placed at a given time. 

The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention and all of its subordinate ministries are accredited by the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. Tax-deductible gifts may be made to ERLC, 901 Commerce Street, Nashville, Tenn., 37203. Learn more at psalm139project.com. 

COVID-19 didn’t stop this pregnancy resource center from saving lives
By / Apr 21

Imagine being a young woman who recently found out she was pregnant through a visit to a pregnancy resource center (PRC). You are likely feeling alone, with no one to talk to except the staff you met. You aren’t sure how you’re going to care for the baby alone, or if you should tell the father. Now imagine that you are not able to go back to this PRC for ongoing help due to COVID-19 restrictions. 

A year ago, most of us were living with business closures and lockdowns. At the time, I hadn’t thought about what these closures could mean for PRCs and the women they serve. A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of visiting Parkville Women’s Clinic, a PRC in my own neighborhood of Kansas City. The visit opened my eyes to the challenges PRCs faced this past year. 

In the initial aftermath of city-wide closures, the clinic had to close for two weeks. However, during that time and through the rest of the year, volunteer nurses and staff members maintained ongoing communication via text with the women who had been coming to the clinic. Like the fictional woman I mentioned in the beginning, many were scared and still needed access to nurses and staff who could help them answer questions about pregnancy or their continued education. This touchpoint likely made all the difference for these women, many who were already in precarious situations. Nurses received text messages from women throughout their day and were able to provide real-time help and assurance. Other staff members provided counsel for women who were dealing with the uncertainty of talking to the baby’s father. Their care for these women did not stop simply because of COVID restrictions. Instead, they made every effort to maintain connection with these women as they walked the road of choosing life for their babies.

Public health protocols also caused several shifts for Parkville Women’s Clinic. They had to switch out their warm and inviting furniture for more sterile items that could be easily cleaned and sanitized after each visit. This meant the rooms where women asked hard questions about abortion were not nearly as comfortable as the staff would have liked. Also, the number of people who could be in a room at one time was restricted. Fathers were no longer able to come to the appointments, so the staff had to pivot once again and figure out how to keep the father engaged with the process. This is important because a mother is less likely to abort when a father is involved in the pregnancy.

The clinic “store” also had to undergo some changes. Previously, women who attended weekly equipping classes could “shop” in the store for diapers, wipes, baby clothes, and baby books. Thankfully, right before COVID hit, they had opened up digital course offerings which allowed women to continue learning and earn points to shop for products. These are now done by scheduling pick-ups. A staff member or volunteer will fill a bag of the requested items from the store, and women come to pick them up at a determined time. While there are more things this clinic did to continue caring for the lives of the preborn and their families, these are areas where they have excelled. 

I encourage you to reach out to your local PRC and ask them how you can help. Many PRCs had to let go of volunteers and only allow staff to be in the building due to public health guidelines. While you still may not be able to volunteer in person, ask your local PRC what you can do now. They may need something as easy as donations of diapers and wipes. But even something as simple as donating diapers will go a long way in showing them that you stand for life, together. 

Do you want to help save lives? Most women in a crisis pregnancy who are given a glimpse of the life within them choose life. However, this is only possible when women can go to a pregnancy center with an ultrasound machine. Sonogram machines are expensive, costing tens of thousands of dollars. Most crisis pregnancy centers do not have the funds to buy the equipment or have a medical expert on staff to read the output. When you donate to the Psalm 139 Project, 100% of your funds go to ultrasound machine placement and training PRC staff members. Will you consider giving a tax-deductible donation to Psalm 139 and help us stand for life?