abortion

Closing USAID Isn’t Crazy — Here’s Why

The Trump administration pulled the plug on the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), America’s largest distributor of humanitarian aid, this week following an audit of its billion-dollar books.

“For decades, USAID has been unaccountable to taxpayers as it funnels massive sums of money to the ridiculous — and, in many cases, malicious — pet projects of entrenched bureaucrats,” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Monday.

She referenced some of the agency’s most unconscionable expenditures of taxpayer dollars, including:

  • $1.5 million to “advance diversity, equity and inclusion in Serbia’s workplaces and business communities.”
  • $6 million to Egyptian tourism.
  • Hundreds of millions to cultivate the poppy in Afghanistan (the main ingredient in heroin, the Taliban’s biggest money-maker).
  • More than $149,000 to fund foreign art projects celebrating DEI and LGBT-identified individuals, including a “transgender opera” and a “transgender comic book.”

Legislators, non-profits, activists and the United Nations have pitched an epic fit, claiming people will die without USAID’s aid. Some seemed particularly irate that Elon Musk, co-leader of the newly sanctioned Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), blew the whistle on the agency’s largesse.

“This is a five-alarm fire.” New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wrote on X. “The people elected Donald Trump to be President — not Elon Musk … This should not be a partisan issue.”

But it doesn’t take a wizard to figure out that USAID squandered Americans’ money on stupid and immoral causes.

Let’s walk through a few examples.

USAID is charged with implementing the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a congressional aid package tackling the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The program will dispense $30 billion in assistance over five years.

But PEPFAR no longer distributes AIDS relief alone. In 2022, the government released a document connecting PEPFAR’s success with “sexual reproductive health, rights and services.” The semantic adjustment allows USAID to funnel PEPFAR money to fund elective abortions under the guise of “reproductive care.”

Between 2021 and 2022, more than 25 explicitly pro-abortion organizations spent a combined $1.34 billion PEPFAR donations.

One of these groups is the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF). USAID paid it $8.9 million between 2015 and 2025 to execute contracts related to expanding “family planning and sexual and reproductive health.”

IPPF’s current contract with USAID would have paid out $45 million by 2028.

In a statement opposing USAID’s closure and the State Department’s temporary pause on foreign aid spending, IPPF unwittingly revealed exactly what it uses PEPFAR money for:

[The US State Department’s] funding suspension initially impacted the over 20 million people living with HIV directly supported through PEPFAR. Later, however, a life-saving humanitarian assistance waiver walked back the decision, yet excludes activities related to abortion or family planning, gender or DEI programs, gender-affirming surgeries and other activities deemed to be non-life saving assistance.

In short, IPPF resents that money from an AIDS relief program will go only toward people suffering from AIDS.

It’s also concerned about diminished “sexual and reproductive health services,” linking to an Instagram post from a company called Gender DynamiX — “Africa’s first registered public benefit organization to focus solely on issues of trans and gender diverse persons.”

Without US tax dollars, it will have to stop administering opposite-sex hormones.

IPPF is far from the only organization to rely on US assistance. America pays roughly 30% of the United Nation’s $58 billion budget every year. A hefty portion of these donations come from USAID. In 2022, the agency gave $10.9 billion to UN subsidiaries.

You remember the UN? The group behind the UN Relief Agency in Palestine, some employees of whom contributed to Hamas’ devastating attack on Israel in October 2023?

The international body that ignored Hamas’ violence against women for months?

The same body that refused to condemn Hamas, but allowed Iran to lead the Human Rights Council’s Commission on Crime Prevention and Justice just days after it executed two people for criticizing Islam?

Yes, that UN would be devastated without the US’ help. It’s particularly concerned about the impact such cuts could have on the sexual health of women in South Asia — especially those with “unintended pregnancies.”

Given these examples, and USAID’s larger disconnect from taxpayers’ interests, it’s not surprising a complete overhaul has been ordered.

But the mismanagement and misuse of USAID also illuminates crucial failures in how the government distributes taxes.

American families shouldn’t have to wade through manipulative and deceptive language to discern how their hard-earned money is being spent They shouldn’t have to wonder whether their government is bilking them, or pouring cash into corrupt and ineffective organizations in service of causes they don’t believe in.

TLDR: This author isn’t sad to see the back of USAID.

Additional Articles and Resources

The UN’s Palestinian Relief Fund is in Trouble — Here’s Why It’s a Good Thing

United Nations Round-Up: Iran Heads Human Rights Council Assembly, Fails to Condemn Hamas

Women’s Rights Groups Silent on Hamas Sexual Violence, Analysis Shows

Senator Releases Annual ‘Festivus Report’ Chronicling $1 Trillion in Government Waste

Why Won’t WHO Protect You Know Who?

If the Washington Post is for it, there’s normally a good case why social conservatives should be against it.

Earlier this week, President Trump announced that the United States will be withdrawing from the World Health Organization (WHO), an association first established by the United Nations in 1948.

A one-year notice prior to officially breaking ties is required.

Predictably, Jeff Bezos’ newspaper calls America’s announced exit “a grave mistake” that will lead to not only more of our own citizens dying from various diseases but also the return of deadly childhood maladies around the world.

Designated as Executive Order 13987, President Trump’s directive cites “the organization’s mishandling of COVID-19 …  its failure to adopt urgently needed reforms, and its inability to demonstrate independence from the inappropriate political influence of WHO member states.”

Trump’s order also notes that the United States has been paying far more than any other country, stating, “China, with a population of 1.4 billion, has 300 percent of the population of the United States, yet contributes nearly 90 percent less to the WHO.”

Excessive dues and the mishandling of the COVID outbreak aren’t the only problems with the WHO, which is unapologetically pro-abortion.

“Abortion is a common health intervention,” states the WHO. “It is very safe when carried out using a method recommended by WHO, appropriate to the pregnancy duration and by someone with the necessary skills. However, around 45% of abortions are unsafe. Unsafe abortion is an important preventable cause of maternal deaths and morbidities.”

In fact, abortion isn’t a “common health intervention” but rather the killing of innocent life. It’s also not safe. Statistically speaking, one hundred percent of children involved in abortion die. It’s certainly not “safe” for the child.

Shortly after Roe’s reversal, the WHO called for the “full decriminalization of abortion” and advocated against any laws that restrict the killing of preborn children or have any gestational limits. In other words, the global so-called health organization is in favor of abortion on-demand.

How exactly does that improve women’s or the world’s health?

The World Health Organization claims an interest in protecting and preserving every life minus the most innocent in the womb.

Critics of the decision warn America’s departure will not only lead to a global health crisis but also create a leadership vacuum likely filled by China. 

Consisting of 194 member states, the WHO has received anywhere from between $163 million and $816 million annually from the United States. With dues from other nations and ongoing fundraising efforts, the organization’s most recent budget was just over $10 billion. 

In addition to struggling to corral the COVID-19 pandemic, the WHO has been criticized for bungling the 2014 Ebola outbreak in western Africa, as well as its past failure to eradicate malaria.

But any organization claiming to center its existence on a foundation of saving lives only to champion the killing of the most innocent surrenders any moral authority it may have one day enjoyed.

In a statement issued from its Geneva headquarters, the WHO concluded:

We hope the United States will reconsider and we look forward to engaging in constructive dialogue to maintain the partnership between the USA and WHO, for the benefit of the health and well-being of millions of people around the globe.

If they’re truly serious about protecting the world’s health, the WHO would be wise to protect every life in the world, including babies in the womb.

Image from Shutterstock.

Pro-Life Wins in 2024

As 2024 draws to a close, let’s take a moment to consider the pro-life wins we saw this year and thank God for His faithfulness to preborn babies and their mothers.

First, we celebrate the fact that 12 states remain abortion free.

Abortion free states include Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia.

Pro-life laws in those states save the lives of over 111,400 babies annually.

Another four states (Florida, Georgia, Iowa and South Carolina) have heartbeat laws in place that protect preborn babies beginning around six weeks gestation. And still, another two states (Nebraska and North Carolina) protect preborn babies from abortion at 12 weeks and beyond.

Laws in these six states protect another 83,700 babies from abortion every year.

Collectively, pro-life laws in these 18 states are protecting more than 195,000 babies from abortion every year!

Second, abortion amendments were defeated in three states this year.

Victories in Florida, South Dakota and Nebraska represent the first wins against extreme abortion amendments across the country since the fall of Roe in June of 2022.

As reported by the Daily Citizen, they also represent three different pathways to victory for future abortion amendment battles at the ballot box.

Third, pregnancy resource centers are growing in number and impact.

The Charlotte Lozier Institute released a report, A Legacy of Life and Love: Hope for a New Generation, cataloging the growth in services and people served by pregnancy resources centers.

The report analyzed data from 2022, the most up-to-date information available on pregnancy resources centers, and found that there are 2,750 centers in the United States, up 50 centers since 2019.

The report also found that the value of life-affirming pregnancy services and goods provided to clients was nearly $368 million, up from $266 million in 2019.

This includes about $206 million in free medical services, $83 million in education and support services, and $78 million in material goods.

Source: A Legacy of Life and Love: Hope for a New Generation

According to the report, pregnancy resource centers have provided more than 16 million sessions with clients.

The report estimates that ultrasound services were up 12% in 2022 compared to 2019, participation in educational offerings was up by 41%, abortion pill reversal services were up 16%, and material resource items provided were up 194%.

Pregnancy resource centers are the future of the pro-life movement, and it is exciting to see them thriving like never before.

Fourth, state funding for pregnancy resource centers is growing.

Since Roe’s reversal in 2022, it is estimated that nearly $500 million has been appropriated by as many as 21 states for pregnancy resource centers.

Some states have gone above and beyond in their support for pregnancy resource centers.

In Florida, state support for pregnancy resource centers increased from $4.5 million in 2022 to $25 million in 2023.

Tennessee’s spending increased from $3 million in 2022 to $20 million in 2023.

Fifth, 29 abortion clinics were closed in 2024.

According to a new report by Operation Rescue, 29 abortion clinics closed in 2024.

Abortion Care Network writes in its latest report that at least 11 of those closures were independent abortion clinics.

Since 2020, Operation Rescue noted that a total of 238 abortion clinics have closed.

Looking ahead to 2025, we already know there will be a multitude of challenges that face the pro-life movement as it seeks to make abortion unthinkable.

Today, let’s take a moment to be thankful for all the ways God has demonstrated his goodness and faithfulness in advancing the cause of life.

Image from Shutterstock.

Brit Hume: Let’s Be Honest, Abortion is the Taking of a Human Life

At 81-years of age, Brit Hume, Fox News’ chief political analyst and former White House correspondent, has been around the block and seen his share of verbal gymnastic shows – especially in Washington, D.C.

He’s also at a stage and of a certain stature where he’s not shy or afraid to hold back.

Writing on X on Thursday morning, Hume responded to a post with his characteristic clarity:

“Yet another euphemism for abortion is added to the lengthening list: ‘freedom of bodily integrity.’ It goes along with ‘women’s health,’ ‘reproductive rights,’ and ‘bodily autonomy,’ to name a few.”

He then added, “To hear these terms, you might have no idea they refer to the taking of a human life.”

He’s right.

The rhetoric of radicals has been undergoing a gradual cleansing over the years, an attempt to mollify the middle and appear more reasonable. In reality, the activists are often just using soft words to describe dark deeds, especially when it comes to abortion. It’s a messaging war, and it’s first proposed and waged in left-wing think tank conference rooms and then deployed via various media channels.

Those of a certain age may remember the pioneering talk show host Rush Limbaugh stringing together a montage of soundbites culled from newscasts and newscasters all using the same word or phrase on the same day or night. He was able to demonstrate just how coordinated the Left’s communication could be. It was as if they were all sent a sheet of talking points, which they then dutifully followed as if a Hollywood script.

Other popular euphemisms in the radical lexicon include referring to patriotic believers as “Christian Nationalists.” An up and coming one is “Christo-fascist.” Brit Hume left out the “termination” of a pregnancy and the all-time classic, “a woman’s right to choose.” Never mind that a woman already has the right to choose not to sleep with a man and invite a pregnancy.

The list of others is long and getting longer. 

When parents want to protect children from perverted and confused sexual messaging, they’re not discerning but instead guilty of “banning books.”

If you’re in favor of strong borders, you’re “racist” and an “Xenophobe.” 

During the campaign, Trump supporters were labeled “nazis” and “fascists.”

Conservatives who push back against wokeness are accused of committing “microaggressions.” Any conservative person who highlights another race in the context of their life perspective can quickly be found guilty of “cultural appropriation.”

The “misinformation” label is now applied to anything progressives disagree with.

“Free speech,” “academic freedom, and “fairness” are considered unconditional virtues on the Left, but are conditional on the right. Conservatives are only free to say or write or support something that doesn’t make the other side uncomfortable.

While frustrating and downright silly, the rise in the use of euphemisms on the Left demonstrates that truth is intimidating. It shows that radicals are keenly aware that while they can’t change the facts, they’re determined to try and shade them and soften their sting.

Scripture confirms the power of our words. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits,” wrote Solomon (Proverbs 18:21). While the apostle Paul was addressing speaking in tongues, his response to the discussion might also apply to the idea of trying to obscure truth by speaking in vague terms.

“Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying?” he asked. “You will just be speaking into the air” (1 Corinthians 14:9).

Euphemistic terms of radicals might be vacuous, but they can also do irreparable harm if they lead people astray and try and soften sin.

As Christians, it’s our obligation to always speak truth and not be intimidated by the linguistic police who are determined to silence the bold and courageous.

Image from Getty.

Ultrasound Bus for ‘Alive from New York’ Event Makes First Stop in Dallas, TX

It’s a beautiful spring day in Texas—and despite the earlier forecasts of rain, there isn’t a cloud in the sky. The day is perfect to begin the five-city ultrasound bus roadshow tour, which will culminate with a mobile ultrasound unit arriving in New York City, just in time for the Alive from New York event on May 4th.

Alive from New York is dedicated to celebrating the life of the preborn baby and highlighting the horrific abortion legislation signed into law by New York’s Governor Andrew Cuomo earlier this year. But abortion is not just a problem in New York. Across the country, there is a battle being waged between the abortion business and pro-life pregnancy resource centers for the lives of preborn babies and the hearts of women. 

That is something that the Hope Women’s Center of McKinney, Texas is discovering. 

Although the community of McKinney successfully drove Planned Parenthood out of the neighborhood, the battle for the lives of women and babies has moved from the sidewalk to Google.

As Planned Parenthood coffers grew exponentially larger under the leadership of its former president Cecile Richards, the ability of local pregnancy resource centers (PRC) to compete and reach abortion minded women became more difficult. For Hope Women’s Center CEO Holly Snell, that’s a problem. Especially since her clinic and team are dedicated to reaching women who are seriously considering an abortion.

“Our target patient is that girl who is abortion minded and that is why we’re here,” Holly said. “That’s why people partner with us, to save those children and be their voice. We also want to empower the woman and come alongside her and to help her make an informed decision.”

Planned Parenthood, with its seemingly limitless resources, often outcompetes Hope Women’s Center and other PRCs like it by buying up what are called Google Ad Words. These Ad Words allow PRCs to come up in the top of a Google search when a woman is looking for an abortion business. It is an opportunity to not only offer them alternatives to abortion, but possibly the only time that the women, and sometimes men, who are in the midst of an unplanned pregnancy will have a chance to hear the Gospel. 

“There is an abortion clinic that is heavily targeting our area,” Holly said. “That is our biggest battle right now.”

Reaching every woman and man who comes through Hope Women’s Center with the Gospel and love is crucial to the center’s heart and mission. It is not just about saving babies but transforming lives.

And Hope Women’s Center is doing just that. Despite some of the challenges that they face from an aggressive Planned Parenthood internet campaign, Hope Women’s Center is thriving. The center’s location has recently doubled in size, thanks to the vacancy of a neighboring office. The newly renovated space is light and airy, providing a calm atmosphere for women who might feel like they are in the middle of an emotional storm. The center’s also grown their nursing staff from three to 15, including two physician assistants that can help with other medical needs, like testing and treatment of sexually transmitted infections. The number of volunteers has grown from 12 to more than 50, including about 20 men.

This year, the center’s staff anticipates that they may see more than 1,000 women. Every one of them, as Holly describes, is a “divine appointment,” as the staff meets with women who need hope and healing as they process and plan for the future as a parent.

Pray for pregnancy resource centers like Hope Women’s Center, that they can continue expanding and reach more and more abortion minded women. Also, consider donating or volunteering at your local pregnancy resource center so it can continue reaching women in your community.

Stay tuned, as well, for more stories from the road!