President Trump has certainly been a controversial figure on our political landscape throughout this past election season. Today, however, I am thankful for one of the first executive orders he signed—an order to reinstate a ban on federal funds to foreign abortions.
Often called the “Mexico City Policy” (because of the location where it was announced), President Reagan was the first to set this policy. In short, it bans federal funding to international organizations that perform or recommend abortions.
Eight years ago today, one of President Obama’s first executive actions was to revoke this policy, thus giving tax funds to foreign abortions.
Today, on President Trump’s first full day in the oval office, one of his first executive actions was to reinstate it, banning tax funds to foreign abortions.
Scripture is clear that life begins at conception, thus abortion is nothing less than the taking of a baby’s life. It just happens to be before birth.
Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.—Jeremiah 1:5
Our family was reminded today (ironically the same day as President Trump signed this executive order) of the beauty of life created in the womb as we welcomed our ninth grandchild—Blakely Jules Chappell—into the world.
When I look at Blakely’s tiny features, I marvel at the tender creativity of God and am reminded of how He fashioned all of us before we were born.
For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.—Psalm 139:13–16
The fact that life is given by God means that we should protect all innocent life—born and unborn.
Although I’m thankful for this revoking of tax dollars to fund foreign abortions, I’m mindful that here in the United States, we continue to perform over half a million abortions per year. And I’m prayerful that President Trump will appoint a Supreme Court Justice who will help overturn Roe v. Wade.
Meanwhile, we should continue to pray for our president that he would have wisdom and humility to make wise decisions, especially regarding matters that involve life, morality, and religious freedom.
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.—1 Timothy 2:1–2
