Because we believe that God is the author of life, and therefore all life is sacred and a reflection of the glory of the Creator, we should take steps to use every opportunity to further that perspective in our culture. While the legislative and judicial realms are certainly important in crafting just laws to protect life, we can also pray for hearts to be changed and for abortion-minded women and those who have influence over them to understanding the humanity of life in the womb. In Jeremiah 1 (ESV), we can read these words of the prophet:
4 Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying,
5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
and before you were born I consecrated you;
I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
That’s a driving philosophy for believers in Christ, directing us to respect life.
We have celebrated the U.S. Supreme Court Dobbs decision, overturning the hideous ruling, Roe v. Wade - that decision was handed down in June of 2022, almost four years ago. At the time, pro-life leaders made sure we understood that was a beginning of a new era - it left decisions up to governmental bodies, and in some cases, the people of various states. Some voters accepted the misguided attempts to choose women’s so-called “reproductive rights” over the right to life. The rise of chemical abortion and widespread distribution of the “abortion pill” has complicated efforts to protect life, and it has been an uphill climb to persuade government officials to prevent these efforts to make it easier for women to take the lives of their unborn children.
But, there have been numerous attempts in a variety of states to protect life. And, last year, there was a measure built into a large piece of legislation that would prevent federal funding of the nation’s largest abortion provider - for one year. That’s a far shorter period of time than pro-life advocates would have liked, but it was a small step forward.
A step that had an expiration date of July 4, 2026 - the 250th anniversary of a document that described the right to life as “unalienable,” given by our Creator.
As The Daily Citizen of Focus on the Family pointed out:
Last year, Congress defunded Planned Parenthood – which killed 434,350 preborn children in one year according to its latest annual report – of around $850 million in federal taxpayer money. Since then, around 50 Planned Parenthood clinics have closed, in part because of financial troubles.
The defund provision (Section 71113) was included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which President Trump signed into law on July 4, 2025. The bill also cut taxes on working families, provided additional funding for border security and immigration enforcement, and beefed-up spending on national security.
While the Hyde amendment prohibits taxpayer dollars from directly going to pay for abortions, Planned Parenthood could receive federal monies, including government grants, contracts and Medicaid reimbursements, for other services.
All money is fungible, so these federal dollars indirectly supported the organization’s grisly abortion business by allowing it to pay salaries, sustain operating expenses and open new locations. That’s how Planned Parenthood grew into a $2.1 billion enterprise.
The one-year defund provision survived a court challenge. But, time is running. Because of the nature of the procedure under which the bill was passed, an additional defunding of Planned Parenthood could be enacted by a simple majority under a process called “reconciliation.” But, only once more before the end of the year.
As The Daily Citizen points out: “Pro-life advocates have been urging Congress to use the opportunity to defund Planned Parenthood again.” The article referenced a Daily Signal article, which said: “Speaker Mike Johnson has assured some members of Congress and pro-life leaders that he will try to stop the resumption of Planned Parenthood funding, but he faces opposition…” It goes on to say: “Johnson told Pro-Life Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Chris Smith…and other members of Congress that he is working to prevent Planned Parenthood from receiving federal funding again on July 4, Smith told The Daily Signal.” And, Johnson told a gathering recently that “We’ve been very creative in how we’ve used that,” meaning the reconciliation process, “and we’re intending to do that again.” Another reconciliation opportunity is possible, but, the article also noted:
“If Mike Johnson says we’re pitching for reconciliation, I will fight alongside him for it,” said veteran pro-life operative Tom McClusky, “but I really do not see how it happens.”
Another option, according to McClusky: Johnson could try to pass a continuing resolution later in the year to defund Planned Parenthood. The Daily Signal points out:
The Trump administration can do its part by restoring the Protect Life Rule, which prohibits Title X family planning funds from going toward abortions, McClusky added. The Department of Health and Human Services is developing a restored “Protect Life Rule,” an HHS official previously confirmed to The Daily Signal. It is unclear when the rule will be finalized.
This is certainly a study in vigilance on the legislative side of pro-life activity. And, we should be praying for decision-makers who sit in Congress, as well as regulatory agencies, like HHS and the FDA.
But, there is much that can be done in the arena of pro-life ministries. Pregnancy resources centers operate on the front lines of pro-life activities, standing on truth and communicating truth to women and their families. And, sometimes that truth is related through our action. Not only can we speak God’s truth, but we can live it out through showing compassion, even to those with whom we may disagree regarding their position on the sanctity of life.