On June 24, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling in Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization that ended the nationwide legalization of abortion. It was a day for which many Christians hoped and prayed for nearly 50 years.

The high court’s ruling, however, did not end abortion. It simply referred the matter to state-by-state legislation. As a result, North Carolina immediately became a key state for abortion access, since nearby states offer more protections for unborn children.

More than one-third of Planned Parenthood’s abortion patients in North Carolina came from outside the state in the weeks following the Dobbs decision, the organization told Carolina Public Press. They expect that number to increase dramatically as time goes on.

For decades, pregnancy resource centers and similar clinics have provided the care and support needed for many abortion-minded parents to choose life. Thousands of local churches across the state recognize the important work of these front-line advocates. 

Congregations support the work of pregnancy centers by providing financial help and volunteers. Yet, due to rising costs related to facilities and clinical staffing, these centers are often stretched thin. We must find strategic ways to ensure these pro-life heroes maintain a vital and vibrant presence throughout the state.

Due to the generous support of N.C. Baptists, two ultrasound machines were placed in pregnancy centers last year through a partnership with the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission’s Psalm 139 Project. Those placements were chosen because of their location in underserved areas of the state.

The new influx of out-of-state parents seeking abortion spurred N.C. Baptist leaders and Psalm 139 to look for additional strategic pregnancy centers that can help serve those individuals. Three more placements are being planned for 2023, and N.C. Baptists have helped support the launch of an initiative dedicated to strengthening the work of pregnancy centers across the state.

Our goal is to see abortion become unthinkable from the mountains to the coast. If you are interested in making sure parents receive the care and support they need to choose life, here are three ways you can respond.

Pray

Pray for pregnancy center staff and volunteers. Advocating for the life of voiceless, unborn children is no easy task. The physical, mental and spiritual toll can be high. Ask God to sustain their efforts and transform our culture’s distorted view of unborn lives.

Volunteer

Volunteer to serve in your local pregnancy center. Licensed health-care professionals are usually the greatest need, but any Christian with a compassionate heart can be a valuable asset.

Give

Give to initiatives that stand for life. N.C. Baptists are committed to advocating for all humans made in the image of God, especially those in the womb. Your generous donations help provide needed ultrasound machines and other life-saving resources.

To find more information about how pregnancy centers can receive a needed ultrasound machine, visit psalm139project.com.

(EDITOR’S NOTE – Seth Brown serves as director of convention relations for the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. This article originally appeared in the January 2023 issue of the Biblical Recorder magazine.)