NASHVILLE, Tenn. —The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention has launched a new initiative called “Across State Lines” to bring the hope of the gospel, advocacy for the preborn, and tangible help to mothers in abortion-permissible states through the life-saving power of ultrasound technology.
By funding ultrasound machines in states where few, if any, protections exist for the vulnerable preborn and where many travel to receive abortions, the ERLC’s Psalm 139 Project will continue its work to strengthen pro-life centers engaged in life-saving work.
Gary Hollingsworth, ERLC interim president, commented on the launch of the initiative.
“Some of the most rewarding and moving work we are privileged to do at the ERLC is to partner with individuals, churches, state conventions, and other SBC entities to place life-saving ultrasound machines in pregnancy centers through the Psalm 139 Project. We are humbled to place an emphasis on getting this technology in as many centers as we can in states where abortion is legal and easily accessible. The ERLC wants to come alongside the everyday heroes who serve in these centers by equipping them to do the invaluable and spiritually demanding ministry to which God has called them.
“Southern Baptists stand firmly on the truth that God has created all people, from the moment of conception, in his image and endowed them with the right to life. Ultrasound technology is key because it allows vulnerable mothers to see this truth as they peek through a window into their womb—an experience that often leads them to choose life for their preborn children.
“Baptists are historically known for our cooperation. There is no better reason to come together than saving preborn lives, supporting vulnerable mothers and fathers, and bringing the hope of the gospel to families and communities. We pray the Lord blesses this initiative by stirring the hearts of his people to partner together generously and relentlessly for life across state lines.”
Texas Baptists partnered with the Psalm 139 Project to place an ultrasound machine in New Mexico in 2024. Earlier this year, Alabama Baptists partnered with Alaska Baptists and the Psalm 139 Project to place an ultrasound machine in Anchorage, Alaska. On Nov. 18, there will be another ultrasound machine dedication in Williston, Vt., in partnership with the Psalm 139 Project and state conventions in New England, Alabama, Tennessee, as well as the North American Mission Board.
“The ‘Across State Lines’ initiative is more than funding equipment; it’s about saving lives and sharing hope,” said Rachel Wiles, director of the ERLC’s Psalm 139 Project. “This initiative is a beautiful way for Southern Baptists to cooperate together in serving vulnerable women across the country who often find themselves traveling across state lines to receive an abortion.
“Southern Baptists are strongly pro-life and are missional people—whether ministering to others across an ocean or across the street. In the same way, we are asking those who live in more conservative states with pro-life laws to consider reaching across state lines with a missional mindset, ultimately saving preborn lives and supporting mothers who face unplanned pregnancies. We see this as a prime opportunity to help strengthen pro-life work in these areas and to ultimately reach families with the hope of the gospel.”
More information about the “Across State Lines” initiative can be found online.