02/26/2026
Tennessee Pregnancy Center Network Position Statement on Compassionate Pregnancy Help Ministry and the Distinction from Abolitionist Ideology The Tennessee Pregnancy Center Network (TNPCN) exists to strengthen, support, and unify pregnancy help organizations across our state. As part of that commitment, we believe it is important to offer clarity on emerging ideological trends that impact the public perception, credibility, and ministry approach of pregnancy centers in Tennessee. One such trend is the rise of abortion abolitionism —a philosophy and political effort that differs significantly from the historic, compassionate model of pregnancy help ministry practiced by TNPCN-affiliated centers for decades. Because of increasing public rhetoric, newly formed organizations adopting abolitionist principles, and inquiries received by centers across the state, TNPCN offers the following clarifications. Our Mission and Identity TNPCN-affiliated centers are Christ-centered ministries committed to serving women, men, and families with: ● compassion ● dignity ● transparency ● non-coercive support ● practical help ● respect for the complexity of each individual’s situation We exist to build trust in our communities and to model the heart of Jesus, offering truth paired with grace. This approach has shaped the pregnancy help movement for nearly 50 years and continues to guide our ministry philosophy today. Quick definitions ● Historic Pro-Life / Pregnancy Help Position Rooted in Christ-centered compassion and relationship. We seek to serve women and families with grace, dignity, and non-coercive support—offering hope and practical help so they may be educated, equipped, and empowered to choose life. This long-standing position holds that women are often vulnerable, pressured, or afraid in moments of crisis and therefore should be offered care, not criminal penalties. We do not support the criminalization of women.
● Abortion Abolitionist Position Frames abortion as a criminal act deserving the same legal penalties as homicide. Under the banner of “equal protection,” abolitionists argue that all parties involved—including mothers—should be prosecuted under existing laws against the taking of human life. This absolutist philosophy and approach opposes any legal measures short of an outright ban on abortion and views incremental laws as legitimizing murder. Often, though not always, their messaging and methods are more confrontational in tone and posture. Why TNPCN Is Sharing This Now Across Tennessee, some newly established organizations and public advocates are promoting abolitionist ideology under the broader label of “pro-life” work. While we appreciate all who seek to protect human life, not all approaches are compatible with the ministry model of pregnancy help centers. Where TNPCN Stands TNPCN affirms: ● The dignity and worth of every mother, father, and child ● The call to extend compassion, hope, and practical support ● The ministry model of Jesus Christ—full of grace and truth ● The rejection of any effort to criminalize women ● The importance of trauma-informed, non-coercive care ● The value of transparent, ethical, and professional service ● The need for unity among Tennessee pregnancy centers We do not align with or endorse abolitionist ideology or its legislative aims. TNPCN is committed to strengthening the pregnancy help community with clarity, unity, and grace. We are confident that the ministry model rooted in the life and teaching of Jesus—compassionate, relational, and hope-filled—is not only effective but essential for serving families in crisis. Our mission remains unchanged: to serve, not to condemn; to support, not to prosecute; to love, not to shame. LifeBeat Family Resource Center is affiliated with Tennessee Pregnancy Center Network and as such, we stand by this statement- Debbie Dial, Executive Director
