Recently I spoke at a fundraiser for the BesideU For Life Crisis Pregnancy Center in Louisville. Monica Henderson is the talented Director of BesideU for Life, and she estimates the center has saved 10,000 babies since its founding in 1988. It is a remarkably effective ministry that God has used spectacularly. The following is a portion of my remarks:
Senator Elizabeth Warren is determined to eliminate Crisis Pregnancy Centers. The Massachusetts Senator was so livid after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade that she barked, “It’s more important than ever to crack down on so-called ‘crisis pregnancy centers’ that mislead and deceive patients seeking abortion care. My bill with Senator Menendez would stop those harmful practices.”
Why such animosity toward crisis pregnancy centers? Throughout the country, ministries like BesideU for Life are vandalized and threatened with messages such as, “If abortion isn’t safe, neither are you!”
What about these crisis pregnancy ministries is so harmful and dangerous?
Pregnancy centers exist to serve women in crises. Contrary to Planned Parenthood, they try to protect the life of the unborn child by encouraging the mother to keep the baby. They usually show an ultrasound of the baby in the womb. They provide wise counseling, as well as clothes and furniture for the mother and the baby. They offer financial education and job training for the mother and the father-to-be. Crisis Pregnancy centers often include adoption possibilities. They offer ongoing care for both the unborn baby and the expectant mother – all free of charge.
Two decades ago, a teenage mother-to-be looking for help wandered into our crisis pregnancy center in Louisville. After counseling, the girl chose to let her baby live. Since she could not provide for a child, she wisely chose to put the baby up for adoption. Our niece Theresa had been desperately trying to adopt a baby. So, when my wife Judy heard that a newborn would soon be available for adoption, she contacted Teresa and asked, “Do you want this baby right now…like next week?” Theresa burst out, “Yes”! Then paused, “Wait…I better ask my husband!” Seconds later, she exclaimed, “Yes! Yes! Chris said definitely yes!” Theresa and Chris immediately prepared for their new baby’s arrival.
Within hours adoption procedures were underway, and days later, the teenage mother gave birth to a baby girl, and Chris and Theresa named her “Emma.” Emma brought immense joy to our niece Theresa, Chris, and their older daughter, Julianne. Over the years, it has been inspiring to witness Emma’s vibrant life and experiences. Emma’s story is repeated hundreds of times across the country because crisis pregnancy centers help parents choose life.
Pictured to the left is my wife Judy with our great-niece Emma, who is attending nursing school at Indiana University. Last week she texted Judy, “Your grandson Charlie had excellent nurses and doctors. I am hopeful that I can be that kind of help to someone in the future.”
And Senator Elizabeth Warren wants to stop crisis pregnancy centers?
“The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace” (Romans 8:6).
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10).
.
Follow BobRussellKY on Twitter and LIKE the Bob Russell page on Facebook
