AN INFORMED CHOICE
Living Stones Series: First Published in All Around Old Bridge Publication – October 2019, Pastor Lloyd Pulley
Several months ago some members of our church attended an event in New York City that celebrated the sanctity of life. Over 18,000 people gathered at the largest pro-life event in NYC history. ‘Alive From New York' was hosted by Focus on the Family and featured a series of speakers and a live ultrasound of an unborn baby shown on a big screen in Times Square. The baby's mother Abby Johnson is a former Abortion Clinic Director who is now one of pro-life's biggest voices.
For 8 years Abby believed that she was helping women in need by giving them a choice. She rose through the ranks of our nation's largest abortion provider thinking she was providing a noble service; until she assisted in an ultrasound guided abortion and saw a 13-week old baby fight for its life within its mother's womb. That experience completely transformed her mind; where she once fought for "choice," now she fights for life. Her experience in the inner sanctum of the abortion industry and the backlash she received from her employer after quitting, is chronicled in the book and movie Unplanned.
The Apostle Paul tells us in his letter to the Romans in the Bible to "not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." We are seeing many more believers respond with a new awareness about the sanctity of life. Our country's conscience is being stirred. This is evidenced by the increased numbers who have viewed movies such as October Baby, Voiceless, Unplanned and have attended events like ‘Alive from New York'. The Roe v. Wade movie releasing later this year is also expected to do very well. Abortion legislation is a regular news topic these days and several states have passed laws that protect life: such as Alabama's law banning abortions without exception. Hearts are being stirred towards life!
But at the same time, we see more opposition toward life with some states expanding abortion: including New York's recent law allowing late-term abortions and several states attempting to pass laws that will keep abortion legal even if Roe v. Wade is overturned. This is a huge contention with passionate proponents on opposing sides. When Abby Johnson's movie exposing the truth of the abortion industry came out, it was given an R rating while much more violent and disturbing movies get a pass with family friendly ratings. And that wonderful event celebrating life; police shut part of it down in favor of a mob of angry protesters determined to disrupt a peaceful gathering.
In New Jersey over 24,000 abortions are performed every year and there are over 1600 facilities that perform abortions in this state. There are no restrictions to abortion in New Jersey: no mandated parental involvement, no waiting period or laws restricting tax payer funding for abortion. It would appear that the pro-choice movement is not in favor of giving full choice to women at all.
At Calvary Old Bridge we saw a need to get resources to women with unplanned pregnancies, which would give them an ability to make an informed choice. We couldn't sit still on the sidelines as we saw what is happening with abortion in this country and the opportunity we have to save lives. Psalm 139:13 tells us "For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb." It is with this sentiment and through much prayer and raising of resources I am happy to announce that the Bridge Women's Mobile Pregnancy Center will be operational in just a few short months.
The Mobile Pregnancy Center will be placed in various spots to meet abortion-vulnerable women right where they are and will offer them free ultrasounds, so they can see their baby on a screen and hear their baby's heartbeat in surround sound. The experience a mother has in seeing her unborn child and hearing that heartbeat can then be part of her decision. We will offer other options to women who think they have no choice but to abort their child. Bridge Women's Center has a reservoir of awesome resources for women during pregnancy and after they make the choice to keep their baby. Our support and encouragement doesn't end with the birth of the child.
According to Debbie Biskey, Executive Director of Bridge Women's Center "Going mobile is the most effective strategy to reach women with unplanned pregnancies. 4 out of 5 women who board a mobile pregnancy center choose life for their baby when they are given an opportunity to hear their baby's heartbeat in surround sound and see their baby on an ultrasound. There is no better way to meet them, than right where they are – whether that is near an abortion clinic, outside of a public event or a university campus. We bring informed choices to women who may think they don't have any."
On December 6th Bridge Women's Center will be hosting their first fundraising gala with guest speaker Abby Johnson. Abby will share about the truth of the abortion industry and the hope that is found when centers like the Bridge Women's Center meet women where they are and offer them the resources they need to make life affirming choices. For more info visit www.bridgewomenscenter.com or email HopeMPC@ccob.org.