How should I vote?

We look at statements and perceptions that are promoted as fact and provide a new perspective, key take-aways, and let you prayerfully draw conclusions.

This week's topic...

This election is so confusing and emotional. It seems like there's no perfect candidate. How should I vote?

Three Quick Thoughts

First, Check the Alignment. Back in December of 2021, I stood on the steps of the Supreme Court as they heard arguments that would later result in the infamous Dobbs vs. Jackson decision. As I approached the amazing white stone pillars, I saw to the right (appropriately) a huge crowd of pro-life and pro-family advocates from all different states and backgrounds. To our left was an even larger array of feminists, transgender activists, many hair colors not found in nature, and the pink shirted Planned Parenthood representatives. Within minutes, a large black tour bus pulled up to the sidewalk. Dozens of people, mostly men, poured out, all dressed in black. They were from the Satanic Temple, a world wide movement that is opening "religious" abortion clinics across the US. It was crystal clear that those supporting abortion rights for women were aligned with, and stood in solidarity with Satan's followers. it was a chilling moment.

When you vote, know who you stand beside. Determine which candidates most closely align with your values. No candidate will be perfect so look for alignment of your candidate's policies and positions. Pray about it and measure the vital positions against your faith and God's Word. This is our "plumb line". Even when something looks straight, the plumb line reveals the truth. So do your research, use helpful voting guides, and check your alignment.

Next, Start Local. While the Presidential election grabs all the headlines, local elections in Pennsylvania are crucial and may in fact be more consequential. Local officials in Allegheny County for example have declared Pittsburgh a "sanctuary city for abortion". The best way to turn that around is through local elections. The Supreme Court's Dobbs decision took the national abortion question out of the federal courts and into the local voting box. Instead of a federal abortion position, each state now determines what limits, protections, and regulations will be provided in that state. The Commonwealth of PA currently bans abortion after 23.6 weeks (that is 6 months along in pregnancy--a gruesome reality). Our state does provide some protection for mothers by requiring a 24 hour waiting period and informed consent. And abortion facilities and personnel are currently regulated. But even these common sense protections may be erased if our State Senate or House shifts to a pro-abortion majority this Fall. Local elections matter!

And Third, Remember: Past Performance is the Best Indicator of Future Behavior. Compare your candidate's promises with their past voting record. Look at the policies rather than the personalities. Many of our family values and freedoms are on the ballot this year. When there is so much at stake, it's worth it to dig beyond the ads you see on TV or a billboard. Comprehensive voter guides can help you learn more about past performance in key issues.

Three Great Resources

PA Family Institute provides a personalized Voter's Guide that is incredibly helpful. Your local, state, and national election candidates are asked about their stand on various issues that most impact today's families. Highly recommended for every voter.

Find the PA Family Personal Guide here

Life PAC of Southwestern PA does some of the research for you. Though we don't tell you who to vote for, we recommend this guide produced each election season for those who seek to support candidates with a proven record for protecting the unborn.

See the Life PAC Guide here

If you've encountered reports and "facts" about abortion bans, stories of how abortion restrictions may harm mothers, or other confusing media strategies, consider reading through our FACT CHECK FRIDAY download that contains answers to common misconceptions.

Download the FACT CHECK FRIDAY blogs here

Find us on social media and share this blog.

Visit our Website

What are the current laws in PA?

The following is a brief summary of the PA Abortion Control Act. Currently PA’s abortion laws do include some protections for women. But even these commonsense regulations are now actively being challenged. Your vote matters in local elections!

Informed Consent. A woman must receive state-mandated counseling prior to her abortion that includes information about all of her options.
A 24 hour wait is required after the counseling before the procedure is provided.
Determination of gestational age is required before an abortion. This is vital (and often overlooked) especially for women seeking the abortion pill.
Parental consent for minor children. The parent of a minor must consent before an abortion is provided to his/her child.
The procedure must be performed by a Board certified physician with hospital admitting privileges.
Facility safety requirements like hallways wide enough to accommodate medical emergencies.

Did you know?

Current Pennsylvania law allows abortion up to 23 weeks, 6 days of pregnancy (that’s 6 months). The baby is pain capable and is viable outside the womb. An abortion may be performed at 24 or more weeks after the woman’s last menstrual period only if the woman’s life or health is endangered.

The online abortion pill industry routinely circumvents these local protections and is "de-medicalizing" abortion procedures by promoting "self managed" abortion at home. Our state must do more to regulate and control the influx of these illegal medications.

Support Our Work

The Network of Life offers compassionate care and medical services to those making pregnancy decisions. When you vote pro-life, it's a vote for our moms, our dads, and our babies.

The Network of Life seeks to be a sanctuary city for life. We address our city's great challenges in our three Women’s Choice Network medical clinics where women can access ultrasound, an accurate explanation of abortion alternatives, STD testing and treatment, mentoring and education, and face to face time with medical professionals. All of our services are offered an no cost...ever.

Take It To Prayer

Pray for our nation over these next critical weeks leading up the the election. Pray for God's mercy and direction.

Pray for those who are undecided about their vote but seek justice and righteousness. Pray for God to lead our hearts and minds in every decision.

Pray for worthy candidates who have felt they must back away from their convictions in order to escape a disingenuous media. Pray for strength and boldness to stand in the gap for truth.

Pray for women who are traumatized by a past abortion. The rhetoric and emotion around this topic can be deeply troubling. Pray for healing and the peace of knowing Christ's forgiveness.

Pray that Pittsburgh could become a sanctuary city for life!

If you feel called to pray for the Network of Life, subscribe to The Road Crew. Each week we pray for God to clear the paths to our centers, remove the obstacles, and open highways for women that will lead them to our doors and point them to Christ.

Email us to join the Road Crew

Fact Check Friday

Networkoflife.org