What is the reasoning for this?
A recent investigation conducted by the Students for Life of America’s Demetree Institute for Pro-Life Advancement revealed concerning trends within 767 Christian-affiliated colleges and universities in the United States. As part of the “Christian Schools Project,” this study highlighted a troubling 10% rise in support for abortion and connections to Planned Parenthood compared to the previous year’s data.
The research, led by SFLA’s Strategic Initiatives Team, spanned from November 1st to 30th and involved selecting institutions based on Niche’s 2024 Best Christian Colleges in America and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Catalog of Catholic Colleges and Universities in the U.S.
Results shared with The Christian Post indicated that about 10% of the examined schools—76 in total—had affiliations with Planned Parenthood or showed support for abortion. These links resulted in a total count of 185 “infractions,” defined as actions by university officials that supported abortion. These ranged from promoting abortion vendors as health resources to hosting events in collaboration with Planned Parenthood.
Further analysis by denominations unveiled significant infractions among Methodist, Presbyterian, Catholic, and Lutheran schools, each with varying percentages within their respective denominations.
The study introduced a grading system, assigning an A+ to institutions with no infractions and ties to pro-life pregnancy centers. Conversely, schools with four or more infractions were rated an F.
An intriguing observation was the shift in schools’ stances following the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade in June 2022. Institutions previously neutral on the issue seemed compelled to take a definitive stance, leading to a marked increase in infractions post the Court’s decision.
Additionally, the report highlighted instances where institutions revised their abortion-related positions post the Court’s ruling. Schools that had previously received positive ratings were seen retracting or modifying their stances, often aligning themselves with abortion ideologies.
The study raised concerns regarding the proximity of Planned Parenthood facilities to college campuses, noting a significant number located within a 5-mile radius of these institutions, underscoring the organization’s accessibility to college students.
Expressing disappointment, SFLA President Kristan Hawkins urged faith-based educational institutions to prioritize the value of all lives and advocated for a cultural shift starting within religious communities.
In conclusion, the report called for Christian schools to uphold principles consistent with their beliefs and reconsider any associations or endorsements conflicting with these foundational values.