“There has been an objective gain in the quality of women’s lives for those fortunate enough to have access to procreative choice. That millions upon millions of women as yet do not possess even the rudimentary conditions—moral or physical—for such choice is obvious. Our moral goal should be to struggle against those real barriers—poverty, racism, and anti-female cultural oppression—that prevent authentic choice from being a reality for every woman.” —Beverly Harrison, from Making the Connections

The United Church of Christ has supported reproductive justice issues since the 1960’s.  Here is a compilation of statements and General Synod resolutions on freedom of choice, family planning and reproductive health.  Download a handout used at the National Youth Event (July 2012) in a workshop on why the UCC is pro-choice which also includes some information on reproductive justice.

Geoffrey A. Black, General Minister and President of the UCC, has joined other faith leaders in a  statement supporting the ruling of the Department of Health and Human Services requiring religiouslly affiliated instiuttions, except for houses of worship and similar sectarian instititions, must include contraception coverage without co-pay in health insurance plans offered to their employees.

After the Supreme Court decision in 1972, Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion in the U.S., the UCC has joined with other faith groups to protect women’s equal and fair access to abortion and family planning which have been under attack consistently.  The strategies of those seeking to overturn Roe have shifted to state legislations.  In 2010, 2011 and 2012, we have seen an unprecedented number of state laws introduced and passed which restrict women’s health options.

The Guttmacher Institute provides state by state information on the status of current legislation.

In December 2011, Ohio Conference Minister, Rev. Bob Molsberry, and UCC minister Rev. Dr. Leslie Taylor, testified before an Ohio state senate committee considering a bill that would prohibit abortion after a fetal heartbeat was detectable. It is highly likely that there will be a state ballot initiative on this issue in November 2012 in Ohio.  UCC member and Executive Director of NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio, Kellie Copeland, also testified at the hearing.  All three statements provide information and perspecitve on why the United Church of Christ supports reproductive justice.