What
if I told you that there was a new law that mandated those who had blonde hair
had to vote Democrat, and those with black hair had to vote Republican? Or you
had to attend a mosque at least once per month, regardless of your religious
preference? Or even that you had to wear bright orange on Mondays even if you
hated that color?
This is what
we are facing today in our country – except it is so much worse. There is a
decision that will be made next month in the Supreme Court that will affect
more than what we wear, what our preferences are, or our political or religious
affiliation. This decision is about one of our inalienable rights – free
speech. Even more than that, it is our undeniable right to life that hangs in
the balance.
The case of
NIFLA vs. Becerra is a result of California’s FACT Act that forces Pregnancy
Centers – who are pro life organizations – to refer for state funded services,
including abortion. The state has other means of advertising at its
disposal, but is decidedly targeting Pregnancy Centers and coercing them to
“promote a message that is antithetical to their beliefs.”[1]
 |
| (More information on NIFLA vs. Becerra available here.) |
As Executive
Director of our local Pregnancy Care Center (www.carenetsomd.org),
I watch my staff and volunteers as they provide non-judgmental support to those
women and families that are facing an unplanned pregnancy. Most of our clients
come ready to choose life for their babies; some come in undecided, and some
choose to terminate (disclaimer: we do not offer or refer for abortions in any
of our centers). I have observed those in my Centers as they educate women on
their choices. My client advocates and staff continue to demonstrate love and
grace regardless of the mother’s choice, and whether or not it is in line with
their own values.
As a result
of the work we do at Care Net SOMD, I hear stories of women who come in lost,
afraid, and scared of their future. I get many letters on my desk thanking my
Center for the compassion and love that was given to them. Many women have gone
through our abortion recovery group, humbled by their past but have come to
embrace the freedom found in their future. I have seen women convinced that
they were going to abort their baby, but then they see their baby in their
ultrasound and have a complete change of heart. None of this would be possible
- these lives likely would not have been saved – if we were forced to also
refer them to an abortion clinic. These women may have changed their lives
forever because of a choice made in a moment of desperation.
We need to
care about this SCOTUS case. We MUST care about it. The decision made will
alter our future and the future for our children. This case not only affects
our freedom of speech, but also “the rights of
conscience, and the issue of government coercion when it comes to dissenting
voices on moral issues.”[2]
What can you do?
NIFLA is hosting a rally on the steps of the Supreme Court on 3/20/18.
The case is being heard at 10am. This is history in the making, and if you can
be a part of it, you should be there. Show your support for NIFLA and for life
by participating in the rally.
Pray. Pray often. Pray fervently. Pray for the hearts of the Supreme
Court justices. Pray for the Pregnancy Centers in California currently having
to adhere to this egregious violation of our First Amendment right. Pray for
the legal team presenting their argument on March 20, specifically Michael
Farris. Pray for those fighting for life, continuing to battle in the
front lines and against those that seek to take away our rights.
Even if you are not pro-life, this case should concern you. If the
government can take away the rights of one, they are well on their way to take
away the rights of all. Today, we fight for pregnancy centers. Tomorrow, we may
be fighting for our churches, businesses, communities, and
families. Imagine what could be possible if we all join forces and stand up for what is right
Glessner, T. (2018, January). Supreme Court of the
United States (SCOTUS). NIFLA Legal Tips .
Hausknecht, B. (2018). Social
Issues. Retrieved February 6, 2018, from www.focusonthefamily.com:
https://www.focusonthefamily.com/socialissues/religious-freedom/why-you-should-care-about-nifla-vs-becerra-at-the-us-supreme-court
