ERLC President Commends Senate Finance Committee for Including Pro-Life Provisions in Reconciliation Bill Draft

Brent Leatherwood, president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) of the Southern Baptist Convention, praised the Senate Finance Committee for releasing draft text of a reconciliation bill that includes provisions important to Southern Baptists. The text prohibits abortion providers, such as Planned Parenthood, from receiving government funds, aligning with a long-standing priority of the Southern Baptist Convention and the pro-life movement. The draft also includes multiple provisions aimed at strengthening the family and protecting the dignity of children.

The Finance Committee’s draft text reflects the tax reform priorities outlined by the ERLC earlier this year. These priorities aim to support life and strengthen families through potential tax and budget reforms during the reconciliation process. Leatherwood emphasized the moral imperative of ending abortion, stating that organizations like Planned Parenthood have been responsible for disposing of preborn lives and violating the consciences of millions of pro-life Americans. He called for an end to such practices, affirming that Southern Baptists believe life begins at conception and that every human being possesses inherent dignity and worth.

This development marks a significant milestone for Southern Baptists as the reconciliation bill draft incorporates several priorities from the ERLC’s Priorities for Budget Reconciliation, released in January. Leatherwood also highlighted the ERLC’s 2025 Public Policy Agenda, which was released earlier this year. The draft text includes key priorities from this agenda, including the defunding of Planned Parenthood and other large abortion providers.

While the priorities from the House-passed reconciliation bill were largely maintained, senators made minor adjustments. House and Senate lawmakers are continuing negotiations to finalize the details of these provisions, with the goal of passing the bill by Independence Day. The ERLC expressed appreciation for the inclusion of these priorities in the Senate Finance Committee’s draft, particularly the defunding of Planned Parenthood.

This spring, the ERLC has mobilized Southern Baptist leaders and pastors to urge legislators to take concrete steps in drafting a reconciliation bill that would strip Planned Parenthood and other large abortion providers of all federal funding. Since the launch of the ERLC’s campaign to defund Planned Parenthood, more than 30,000 Southern Baptists and pro-life advocates have joined the effort.

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