SBC urges congress to defund Planned Parenthood amid republican control

The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) is making headlines with its call for Congress to cut federal funding to Planned Parenthood.

Fueling this push is the current Republican dominance in both Congress and the White House, which the SBC’s Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission believes is a prime opportunity to act.

𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐍 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐄 ✍️

You have the chance to help us make Southern Baptists’ voices heard on Capitol Hill as we call for the defunding of Planned Parenthood.

Sign our letter to Congress: https://t.co/dWFPQU8GcP pic.twitter.com/VOGtm0W64n

— ERLC (@ERLC) February 18, 2025

Brent Leatherwood, the President of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, emphasized that their focus is on utilizing the reconciliation process happening in Congress.

This method allows for legislation to advance with a simple majority in the Senate, bypassing the usual requirement for 60 votes.

With the Republicans holding a 53-seat majority, they see a chance for significant legislative movement.

Leatherwood expressed confidence in the Republican Party’s commitment to addressing what they view as the serious issues surrounding Planned Parenthood, notably its role in abortion services.

He stated, “Republicans have had historic commitments and made pledges that see clearly the evil that Planned Parenthood is responsible for, the millions of deaths of pre-born children.”

Leatherwood also mentioned that now is the perfect time for these commitments to be realized and to ensure taxpayer money isn’t going toward what he considers “horrific behavior.”

Plans are already underway for SBC leaders and influential members to rally behind this initiative and approach committees in the House.

In particular, they’re looking to speak to the Energy and Commerce Committee and the Budget Committee to advocate for their cause.

Leatherwood explained, “This needs to be a priority as they are saving taxpayer resources.”

He believes that the ongoing budget discussions should focus on eliminating federal funds directed toward Planned Parenthood.

Efforts to defund Planned Parenthood have been ongoing for many years, often backed by pro-life activists and lawmakers seeking to withdraw hundreds of millions in annual federal funds.

However, those advocating against such cuts argue that it could significantly harm women’s access to health care.

Nancy Northup, president of the Center for Reproductive Rights, once called a previous effort to defund the organization a “reckless and politically-motivated crusade against women’s health care.”

She pointed out that the veto from then-President Obama had safeguarded essential services that many individuals rely on.

Interestingly enough, previous admissions from Planned Parenthood’s former president, Cecile Richards, have raised eyebrows, particularly regarding claims about providing mammograms.

When asked about the consequences of defunding on other services provided by Planned Parenthood, Leatherwood took a firm stance.

He suggested that the notion of significant non-abortion healthcare services was overstated, reinforcing the perception that the organization’s primary focus is elsewhere.

Referencing a New York Times article, he mentioned how many Planned Parenthood clinics are facing serious allegations about the quality of care they provide.

With reports of declining patient counts and concerns about outdated equipment, Leatherwood contended that the organization is primarily concerned with abortion rather than offering comprehensive healthcare services.

“Their driving concern is to target vulnerable mothers and end the pre-born life that is within them,” he stated firmly.

His belief is that the best action Congress can take to support women and children is to cut funding to Planned Parenthood.