FDA’s Position on Abortion Pill, Federal Proposal Burdening Faith Groups & Awaiting Jesus’ Return

Pro-life advocates and others are awaiting a Texas judge’s ruling on whether an abortion pill approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2000 should be prescribed to women.

Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) is representing Christian and pro-life medical professionals and advocates urging a federal district judge to issue an injunction suspending or revoking Mifepristone while a court challenge to the pill’s safety proceeds.

In the unprecedented challenge to the FDA approval process, the groups contend the FDA illegally approved Mifepristone in 2000 and charge that the drug is not safe for use.

The awaited ruling could impact the long-held FDA approval process used in vetting all drugs prescribed in the U.S., according to legal experts. It could also halt the method used for 53 percent of all abortions in U.S. facilities in 2020, according to the Guttmacher Institute.
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The Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission has called on nine federal agencies to revoke a proposed rule it says would unduly burden the rights of faith-based organizations that take part in government programs.

In public comments filed March 14, the ERLC objected to the regulation offered by the Department of Education (DOE) and other agencies. If finalized, the proposal would not only infringe on the convictions of faith-based organizations (FBOs) but threaten services to millions of Americans, according to the commission.

The ERLC urges the agencies to rescind the proposed regulation “to not only fully respect the First Amendment rights of people of all faiths, but also allow those on the front lines of serving the most vulnerable among us to continue doing the life-saving work they are best positioned to do,” said Brent Leatherwood, the entity’s president, in his letter.

The rule “could bring the federal government to a standstill by excluding faith-based groups from providing services that serve the most vulnerable, underserved populations,” he wrote.

Faith-based organizations partner with the federal government to address needs in such fields as addiction, community development, foster care, health care, homelessness, mental health care and refugee resettlement.
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Good News for Today is made possible through our friends at The Voice of the Martyrs, a nonprofit organization that serves persecuted Christians around the world. Founded in 1967 by Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand, VOM is dedicated to inspiring believers to deepen their commitment to Christ and to fulfill His Great Commission — no matter the cost. Find out more and sign up for their free monthly magazine at vom.org/goodnews.
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A Lifeway Bible study on Baptist Press speaks to the final moments before Jesus’ arrest and subsequent crucifixion. Jesus seeks to encourage his disciples as he knows heavy sorrow is just around the corner.

Jesus’ earthly ministry was ending and He would no longer be physically present with the disciples. He wanted them to be as prepared as they could be for what was going to happen.

Jesus also wanted them to know that he was going to prepare a place and would one day return, gather His people, and take them there.

It in this context in John 14 that Jesus tells them, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

As we await Jesus’s return, may we be found trusting in His promise as we share the hope He has given us.

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