Right now, State Senator Wendy Davis of Fort Worth is filibustering on the floor of the Texas Senate. I thought you would appreciate reading a part of a message that I just sent to her:

As a United Methodist clergy in Texas, I am horrified by the bill before the Texas Senate.

Years ago now, as a young minister, I had the surreal experience of working with two young women, both of whom were pregnant. Pastoral confidence prevents me from revealing specifics of either situation. However, these two women came to opposite conclusions.

One ended up having an abortion, the other got married. I was honored to do the wedding. I also supported the woman who chose abortion. Surreally, and totally unbeknownst to the other –these women never knew each other– both events happened on the same day.

Both, it seems to me, were the right decisions given these women’s lives. Both, it seems to me, made a good decision for their lives, and made with the help of their families, friends, friends, and faith communities.

This is the heart of what being pro-choice means.

United Methodists stand on all sides of the abortion issue. But, for the information of the Texas Senate, this is some of what the United Methodist Church officially says:

“We recognize tragic conflicts of life with life that may justify abortion, and in such cases we support the legal option of abortion…
“We call all Christians to a searching and prayerful inquiry into the sorts of conditions that may cause them to consider abortion. We entrust God to provide guidance, wisdom, and discernment to those facing an unintended pregnancy.“

I am troubled by this proposed law, as it seems to me that it will severely limit women’s access to this procedure in many parts of our state, and limit their rights in a way that could bring real harm to them.

Rev. Eric Folkerth
Northaven United Methodist Church,
Dallas Texas