In the wake of the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade reversal, a backlash of anti-life sentiment is rising across the country—including right here in Allentown, PA.
The Allentown City Council is currently working to pass legislation to inhibit pro-life progress and keep abortions accessible and legal.
Scripture tells us that our governing authorities have been ordained by God (Romans 13:1-4). If God has seen fit to provide our civil magistrates with authority, then it follows that the government should be instruments of Christ. Our civic leaders possess a limited authority, regulated by and subject to King Jesus Christ. In other words, when they disobey Christ’s commands they veer out of bounds.
So, when justice and lawfulness are found wanting within our civil government, the Church is called to respectfully oppose it, call out its wrongdoing, and point it to Christ.
This is what we must do in the case of protecting the unborn. In fact, the BFC Denomination holds a clear-cut stance on abortion in our Biblical Principles of Living Article 152. Below is an excerpt.
It is an evil before God voluntarily to kill unborn children, since they too bear His image, even if they are disabled or the result of rape or incest. Consequently, as members of Christ’s body, the Church, we may not have, give direct assistance to, or perform an abortion, except in the very rare circumstances where the life of the mother would almost surely be lost by carrying the baby to term.
BFC Principles of Living, Article 152
You can read the whole Article here on page 87.
Our ministry partner Bright Hope Pregnancy Center needs our help in fighting the battle against abortion. The following proposed ordinance is a direct attack against Bright Hope, implying that the care it gives—alternatives to abortion—is deceptive.
No limited services pregnancy center, with the intent to perform a pregnancy-related services, shall make or disseminate before the public, or cause to be made or disseminated before the public, in any newspaper or other publication, through any advertising device, or in any other manner, including, but not limited to, through use of the Internet, any statement concerning any pregnancy-related service or the provision of any pregnancy related service that is deceptive, whether by statement or omission, and that a limited services pregnancy center knows or reasonably should know to be deceptive.
Bill No. 61
The Allentown City Council has introduced 4 new ordinances that support abortion and suppress opportunities to provide alternatives to abortion.
The vote to pass these ordinances is scheduled for August 24 at Allentown City Hall. Please take a moment to send a direct email to the 7 Council Members. Currently, 5 are in support of passing these ordinances and 2 oppose them. Anyone is encouraged to attend the city council meeting this Wednesday, August 24 at 6 pm at Allentown City Hall.
Council Members Who Support the Ordinance
Cynthia Mota, Council President: cynthia.mota@allentownpa.gov
Candida Affa, Councilperson: candida.affa@allentownpa.gov
Cecilia Ce-Ce Gerlach, Councilperson: Ce-Ce.Gerlach@allentownpa.gov
Natalie Santos, Councilperson: natalie.santos@allentownpa.gov
Joshua Siegel, Councilperson: joshua.siegel@allentownpa.gov
Council Members Who Oppose the Ordinances
Ed Zucal, Council Vice-President: ed.zucal@allentownpa.gov
Daryl L. Hendricks, Councilperson: daryl.hendricks@allentownpa.gov
In your email, emphasize the important work Bright Hope is doing in our community and the resources they provide to the citizens of Allentown. Listed below are the services Bright Hope provides in Allentown to help you draft a personalized email to the council members.
- Free medically verified pregnancy tests that allow women to receive state health insurance quickly so they can start care with an OB/GYN.
- Free ultrasounds that looks for three important factors: gestational age of baby, location of pregnancy, and viability of pregnancy
- Free STI testing, treatment and education for women
- Free Prenatal Vitamins
- Free birthing class taught by a registered nurse
- Free material resources for moms and babies up to age 2 including diapers, wipes, formula, baby and toddler clothing, maternity clothing, high chairs, car seats, pack n plays, and hygiene items
- Free maternity housing program for homeless pregnant women ages 18-21. Women can enter any time during pregnancy and stay until child is age 1. This program is run by two staff members who have master’s degrees in social work.
- Free referrals to community organizations that can provide additional needed support for them and their family
- Free educational classes on pregnancy, parenting, relationships and life skills
- 100% of clients say they would refer a friend to our center for services on client feedback forms
- Bright Hope has been providing free life-sustaining services to the community for 41 years
- All of the educational information we provide is medically-verified, peer-reviewed and evidence based. We do not participate in deceptive practices, which is what they are claiming we do.
- We clearly state on our website and marketing materials that we do not perform or refer for abortions. We do not hide this information from clients when they call to make an appointment. What we do provide, with permission from the client, is information about abortion procedures, possible side-effects of abortion, and make sure they know what their rights are concerning abortion. We also let them know that they are always welcome back at our center no matter what they decide and that we provide post-abortion care if needed.
About the Author
John LoRusso joined the Cedar Crest BFC staff in September 2016 after serving the church as a Deacon, Elder and Missionary. He graduated from Cairn University and directs the Outreach (Global, Local & Church Planting) and Men’s ministries. John loves people and desires to see them immersed in Christian fellowship, strengthening their walk with Jesus and loving and serving one another in ways that express a vibrant witness to the lost. John and his wife Nancy have three married children and seven wonderful grandchildren.