Restricting Limited-Service Pregnancy Centers Leads to Truly Limited Options

BETHANY HERRON
Vice President of Education
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Troubling Legislation 

Limited-service pro-life pregnancy centers (which provide pregnancy counseling without abortions) are essential for women seeking Christ-centered support for an unwanted pregnancy.¹ Tragically, laws such as VT S. 37 (recently passed in Vermont) require physician oversight for any care or counseling they provide.  

In addition, the new law states:  

Although some limited-services pregnancy centers openly acknowledge in their advertising, on their websites, and at their facilities that they neither provide abortions nor refer clients to other providers of abortion services, others provide confusing and misleading information to pregnant individuals contemplating abortion by leading those individuals to believe that their facilities offer abortion services and unbiased counseling. Some limited-services pregnancy centers have promoted patently false or biased medical claims about abortion, pregnancy, contraception, and reproductive health care providers. (Emphasis added by True Charity). 

Ironically, this leaves women with fewer care options, severely restricting the well-informed decision-making and relational care these centers provide. Increased abortion rates will likely result. As well, “under the law, the state attorney general has the authority to fine pregnancy centers up to $10,000 if she believes its life-affirming messages are misleading,” according the Alliance Defending Freedom.  

Bold Engagement Needed 

Laws such as VT S. 37 present a significant challenge to religious freedom. Faith-based nonprofits and churches must return to the public square to counter its effects. Namely, we must . . . 

1. Skillfully share the gospel with those unaware of its message 

During the apostle Paul’s stay in Athens, he visited the Areopagus, saw an altar to an unknown God, and responded, “What you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you” (Acts 17:23, NASB).  

Like Paul, we should employ keen observational skills and well-crafted messaging to present wise, compelling arguments for the truth and power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It must be rooted in Scripture, include legitimate research, and provide compelling stories of how God has used relational, holistic charity to transform lives for His glory.  

2. Reassert the Church’s rightful role in providing true, biblical charity² 

In recent decades we’ve witnessed an accelerated expansion of Government’s charity footprint. Sadly, the Church has yielded to that encroachment, too often persuaded it’s easier (and just as effective) to sign someone up for a government program than make the community-driven, relational investment necessary to express true charity. The Church must re-engage those in need with a biblical model of support that is voluntarily-sourced, outcome-based, and driven by empowerment through challenge and accountability. 

3. Leverage legislative, judicial, and policy mechanisms to support religious freedom  

It is through religious freedom that followers of Christ can wisely and passionately proclaim the Gospel without fear of reprove. There are four actions steps that the Church can take to support religious freedom…  

• Vote wisely, supporting religious freedom as a foundational tenet of human dignity. A just society must allow its citizens free expression of their faith.
• Support candidates who value free speech and religious liberty—and work tirelessly to protect it.  
• Lobby legislative and policy leaders to support free speech and religious freedom. Learn more about how to impact legislation here.  
• Follow organizations such as the Alliance Defending Freedom to learn additional ways to support free speech and religious freedom initiatives  

Do you want to let legislators know what you think on issues like this? The True Charity Network gives people like you a way to share their views with them on poverty-related issues.

[1] One example: members of the National Institute of Family and Life Advocates.
[2] By ‘Church’ we mean the global body of Christ, including local churches and Christian non-profits.