by Kirk Walden, Advancement Specialist

In Illinois, Senate Bill 1564 is raising more than a little concern for pregnancy help organizations. Americans United for Life, in its press release opposing the bill, points out that under SB1564, PHOs would be forced to "participate in potentially conscience-violating services by requiring the provider to refer or transfer a patient or provide information to the patient regarding other healthcare providers who the provider reasonably believes offer the objected-to healthcare service."

Further, Americans United for Life reminds us the bill would force pregnancy help organizations to inform patients of "legal treatment options" and of the "benefits of legal treatment options."

Bad news, right? Of course. Once again, PHOs face a battle of conscience, ethics and government intrusion into our work.

Yet there is good news.

Looking at the larger picture, let's ask, "Why the attack?"

Tweet this! Looking at the larger picture, let's ask, "Why the attack?" @KirkWalden @PHC_News

The abortion industry may have an agenda that is diametrically opposed to life, but those in the industry are not stupid. They know a threat when they see it. We are that threat, because we shine the light of truth on abortion; on what abortion entails and on the miracle of every human life.

When those who come in our doors see that truth, they choose life far more often than not.

This is the "why" behind this bill. The abortion industry is nervous; their cash cow is being challenged. While we will never see the financial spreadsheets of the industry, all we need to see is what they do. And the industry's tactics tell us all is not right for Big Abortion.

Tweet this! The abortion industry is nervous; their cash cow is being challenged. @KirkWalden @PHC_News

So, they attack. In this case, the attack appears in the deep recesses of a bill being moving through an Illinois Senate committee.

While this bill presents another challenge for all of us, it is also a cause for renewed determination. Through love, through truth and through hope, we are advancing a culture of life. We must be taking ground, or those who oppose us would not be fighting so hard to stop us.

Today then, take heart. When one of us (or in this case, an entire state of PHOs) is attacked, it is yet another reminder that we are moving forward. Life is winning again. If we don't believe it, let's take a look at those who oppose us. Their actions tell us all we need to know.