Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
The Lord be with you!
Recently we shared information about the availability of grant funds from the United States Department of Health and Human Services. We encouraged our volunteer communities to relay this information to their local pregnancy resource centers for the purpose of applying for financial assistance under the Title X Family Planning Program.
Our staff and board, including legal and financial experts, reviewed the parameters of this funding opportunity before publicizing it. The statutory language governing the program indicated that “none of the funds appropriated under this title shall be used in programs where abortion is a method of family planning.”
However, our supporters have brought to our attention an unacceptable stipulation included in the twenty-two pages of fine print:
“9.11 Projects must offer pregnant women the opportunity to be provided information and counseling regarding each of the following options:
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prenatal care and delivery;
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infant care, foster care, or adoption; and
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pregnancy termination.
“If requested to provide such information and counseling, provide neutral, factual information and nondirective counseling on each of the options, and referral upon request, except with respect to any options(s) about which the pregnant woman indicates she does not wish to receive such information and counseling (42 CFR 59.5(a)(5)).”
We deeply apologize for this inadvertent oversight. As Lutherans For Life cannot in good conscience endorse participating in any process with such requirements, we urge you to disregard applying for these grant funds. Furthermore, we appeal to you to contact all outlets with whom you have shared our previous information and advise them of this updated concern. DO NOT seek involvement in this HHS Title X Family Planning Program.
We ask your forgiveness for our error, and we thank you for your continued advocacy and activism as Gospel-motivated voices For Life.
In truth and love,
Rev. Michael W. Salemink
Executive Director
Lutherans for Life
msalemink@lutheransforlife.org
765.418.2342
www.lutheransforlife.org