Contact: Mike Tilley, 434-592-5536
LYNCHBURG, Va., March 8, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- Jonathan Falwell, senior pastor at Thomas Road Baptist Church, applauds a new Virginia law that requires pregnant women to view an abdominal ultrasound image of their unborn baby before undergoing an abortion procedure. Here is an official series of statements from Pastor Falwell:
"Yesterday, Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell signed into law a state bill that would require pregnant women to view an abdominal ultrasound image of their unborn baby before undergoing an abortion procedure. The purpose of the bill is information, giving women the ability to have a firsthand look at the fetal image of their baby before making such a fateful decision.
I believe this is important legislation because some women, once they see the image of the baby in their womb, will choose to give the baby life. And that is always a cause for celebration.
This bill (HB 462) notes that "at its heart" is "a woman's right to know medically relevant information before making a life-altering decision."
Advocates for the statute say the ultrasound image gives a woman the "right to know" about her unborn child's development.
Medical technology gives us a wonderful ability to illustrate to women the life that is growing within them, and I believe this bill wisely compels them to have an understanding of that life. I think it truly should be the right of women to have a keen awareness of their baby's physicality before making such a critical, life-altering decision.
Now that this bill has become law, Virginia will become one of 24 states with an ultrasound law.
I commend Gov. McDonnell, Kathy Byron and other state lawmakers who have championed this bill, even as a bitter disinformation campaign by opponents has been inflaming the issue. Gov. McDonnell is a great pro-life leader and I am thankful that he is leading our state in courageous fashion.
About Jonathan Falwell
Jonathan Falwell is in his fifth year as Senior Pastor of Thomas Road Baptist Church (Lynchburg, VA). In addition to leading the 20,000-member church and 250 staff members, Pastor Jonathan is the primary teacher at Thomas Road's Sunday morning worship services. Pastor Jonathan also serves as the Executive Vice-President of Spiritual Affairs at Liberty University. Prior to being named Senior Pastor, he worked closely with his dad, Dr. Jerry Falwell, in the daily leadership of the church and its related ministries.
Pastor Jonathan is a published author and writes the weekly Falwell Confidential. He and his wife, Shari, have four children; Jonathan Jr., Jessica, Natalie and Nicholas.
www.Falwell.com
