Issues@Hand

AFA initiatives, Christian activism, news briefs

August 2021 – Since 2004, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) of the Southern Baptist Convention has advocated for the pre-born through its Psalm 139 Project. With this project, ERLC has helped place ultrasound machines in qualified pregnancy care centers in 16 states while also providing training for those using the machines.

Usually funding two to three ultrasound machines per year, 2021 promises to be a landmark year for the ERLC project, with 20-25 machines expected for placement.

In addition, Gov. Bill Lee (R) signed Tennessee’s 2021-2022 fiscal budget on May 17. With an administrative amendment proposed by Lee and approved by the General Assembly, the budget included several nonprofit grants that took effect July 1. As one of the recipients, the Psalm 139 Project was granted $182,900 and will use the funds to place seven more ultrasound machines in Tennessee pregnancy centers.

Lee’s office said in a news release that the new fiscal budget contained “strategic investments in public-private partnerships, nonprofit organizations, and external partners to support Tennesseans’ top priorities without growing government.”

psalm139project.org; baptistpress.com, 5/18/21