Planned Parenthood, the nation's largest abortion provider, has issued a "pastoral letter" letting women know that some faith leaders support a women's choice to have an abortion.
"Many people wrongly assume that all religious leaders disapprove of abortion," the letter reads. "The truth is that abortion is not even mentioned in the Scriptures -- Jewish or Christian -- and there are clergy and people of faith from all denominations who support women making this complex decision."
The letter, composed by faith leaders in Planned Parenthood's Clergy Advocacy Board and available on the organization's website, goes on to say that theological views on the issue vary and that every woman deserves respect and compassion, even if she chooses abortion.
Image source: Planned Parenthood
The pastors go on to provide advice for women considering the procedure.
"No one knows the circumstances of your life as well as you know them; no one knows what’s in your heart better than you. Allow yourself to be at peace with your decision," the letter continues. "God loves you and is with you no matter what you decide. You can find strength, understanding, and comfort in that love."
The Clergy Advocacy Board urged readers to reach out to their local Planned Parenthood to be referred to a clergy person who might be able to assist them in their journey.
At the bottom of the letter, the Clergy Advocacy Board is described as a group that was founded in 1994 to offer "public awareness of the theological and moral basis for advocating reproductive health and justice."
Members are referred to as "dedicated pro-choice clergy" from a variety of denominations.
AP Photo/The Wichita Eagle, Mike Hutmacher, File
It is unclear when the letter was released, though the aforementioned version is dated October 2013. Regardless, this is not the first time the group has used faith in defending and progressing its agenda.
As TheBlaze reported in 2012, the Six Rivers Planned Parenthood of Eureka, California, once advertised “40 Days of Prayer: Supporting Women Everywhere” -- an initiative that provided 40 different prayers that could be offered up in support of abortion rights.
(H/T: Young Cons)
