A new organization that grew out of an alliance of more than 100 pro-life groups has launched with a Southern Baptist entity providing a vital contribution.
Stand for Life became a separate organization at the start of 2023 with the purpose of uniting the pro-life movement to establish a culture that affirms every human being, including the preborn child, is made in the image of God. It also seeks to strengthen support for women who experience unexpected pregnancies.
The new organization planned to hold a private meeting of pro-life organizations Jan. 18–19 in Washington in conjunction with the 50th annual March for Life on Jan. 20.
The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission provided leadership for Stand for Life, as well as logistical and financial support, for the collection of pro-life groups in the early years before the effort’s transition to an independent organization.
With the change, Elizabeth Graham, previously the ERLC’s vice president of operations and life initiatives, has become Stand for Life’s chief executive officer. Others who formerly worked in support of Stand for Life as ERLC staff members have also moved to the new organization.
In addition to the ERLC, Stand for Life’s “collective partners” are Alliance Defending Freedom, Embrace Grace, Heartbeat International, Human Coalition, Lifeline Children’s Services, Live Action and Save the Storks.
‘Important moment’
“Stand for Life has been years in the making, and we are excited it is launching now at this important moment in history,” Graham said.
“We believe it is critical that we take a holistic view of what it means to be pro-life, created in the image of God, which means that every single life is cared for because they have inherent dignity, value and worth before and after birth,” she said. “We want to make abortion unthinkable and unnecessary in the hearts and minds of our culture, but we have to do that with love, compassion, understanding, empathy, engagement and tangible support.”
She “knew this was the next step God was calling me to take” when Stand for Life Founder Lauren McAfee approached her about helping start the alliance, Graham said. “I’ve always been passionate about cultivating a society that embraces a holistic view of life and affirms the inherent value of the preborn.
“The ERLC has been incredibly supportive of this next chapter in my life, and it’s been invaluable to the launch of Stand for Life as its own nonprofit – one that is already unifying, encouraging and equipping more than 100 pro-life organizations and leaders,” she said.
Future-focused
Stand for Life will continue to endeavor for the church “to be the most relevant, safe and welcoming place for women and their preborn children in their time of need,” a statement from the organization said.
The new organization has produced a six-week study for churches on the image of God and human dignity. The yet-to-be-released curriculum will be for children, youth and adults.
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EDITOR’S NOTE — This article was written by Tom Strode and originally published at Baptist Press, news service of the Southern Baptist Convention.
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