In 2015 Kira Schlesinger wrote piece for Ministry Matters about how her own pro-choice stance on abortion had become more complicated the more she explored the issue of abortion. The article was widely read and shared, as well as hotly… Read More ›
abortion
“What Could be Sadder?” I’ll tell you…by Esther Nelson
You’ve probably seen the following meme circulating on social media: This meme is designed to be evocative. Specifically, it plays into the concept of the sanctity of motherhood that so often oozes into a popular sentimentality about children. In Christian-majority… Read More ›
Approach the Taking of Life with Great Restraint by Carol P. Christ
Nurture life. Walk in love and beauty. Trust the knowledge that comes through the body. Speak the truth about conflict, pain, and suffering. Take only what you need. Think about the consequences of your actions for seven generations. Approach the… Read More ›
It’s All About Control by Vibha Shetiya
When I first moved to America, I was shocked to learn of the high rate of domestic violence here. Surely, American men weren’t like that. Besides, American women were strong – they would never take BS from their husbands, fathers… Read More ›
Why Is the Democratic Party Slapping Women in the Face? by Carol P. Christ
While the Republicans in Congress and in state legislatures across the country are working to repeal and restrict a woman’s right to control her own body, the Democratic Party has decided not to “insist” that the right to abortion is… Read More ›
The Intersections of Faith and Reproductive Justice by Katey Zeh
Last week I participated in a panel discussion hosted by the Center for American Progress (CAP) on the intersections of faith and reproductive justice. These conversations are critically important, particularly in these political times when threats to our bodily autonomy… Read More ›
Anti-Muslim Demonstrations Demand Our Response by Katey Zeh
On June 10th anti-Muslim demonstrations were held in 28 cities across the United States, including one a few miles down the road from me at the North Carolina Capitol grounds in Raleigh. Organized by ACT for America, identified by the… Read More ›
Encountering Spirit: A Ritual of Blessing for an Abortion Clinic by Katey Zeh
For the last year I have had the honor of serving as Chair of the Board of Directors for the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (RCRC). This leadership role often requires great personal and professional sacrifices and yet blesses me… Read More ›
What Will the Faith Response to Zika Be? by Katey Zeh
In the face of the Zika epidemic the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued new recommendations for individuals at risk of contracting the virus either through mosquito bites or through sexual contact with an infected person. If someone has traveled… Read More ›
Mixing Work and Faith: Redefining my Relationship with the United Methodist Church by Katey Zeh
The United Methodist Church (UMC) General Conference, the denomination’s legislative body that meets every four years, is currently underway in Portland, Oregon. For self-avowed “MethoNerds” this is a highly anticipated event akin to watching the Olympics. Meanwhile I’m doing my… Read More ›
A Choir for Reproductive Freedom by Katey Zeh
I was home watching the live stream of those gathered in front of the Supreme Court building to show their opposition to this law that has prevented so many women from accessing the abortion services they need. The speakers, many of them… Read More ›
The Right to Choose is the Right to Our Lives by Marie Cartier
Friday, January 22nd marks the 43rd anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision of 1973 which provided all women nationwide, for the first time, the right to get a legal abortion for any reason–the right to choose. There are celebrations,… Read More ›
It is a Matter of Focus by Deanne Quarrie
Many of the young women I meet tell me that they think feminism is not what they are about, that they prefer to work for the good of all. I understand that and certainly we can all choose where we… Read More ›
Right to Life vs Right to A Life: Abortion & The Death Penalty by Marie Cartier
Earlier this week I went to hear Sr. Helen Prejean speak about the death penalty. You will remember, if the name does not immediately ring a bell, that the amazing movie Dead Man Walking (dir. Tim Robbins, 1995) was about… Read More ›
Abortion–the topic that won’t go away–or even morph by Esther Nelson
Recently, I got involved in a conversation about abortion. It happened on Facebook when a relative posted that her heart hurts when she considers her “sweet baby girl” and how the law (Roe v. Wade, 1973) in the United States… Read More ›
Bringing African American Churches into Reproductive Justice by Mariam Williams
I don’t expect to hear anything in church about the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade during the month of January, the month marking 40 years since the U.S. Supreme Court made the decision to legalize abortion in this country…. Read More ›
WHAT DOES “GOD INTEND”? by Carol P. Christ
Indiana Republican candidate Richard Mourdock’s statement that pregnancies resulting from rape are “something God intended” not only shows an appalling lack of empathy and distain for the experiences of raped women, it also is bad theology. The controversy ignited by Mourdock… Read More ›
Is the Republican Party Platform Truly Pro-Life? by Michele Stopera Freyhauf
As many feminists invest their life fighting for women’s rights to be the center of attention – no one could predict the occurrences of this election year. In my previous post “Rape is Not a Political Platform – Rape is a… Read More ›
“LOVE PATRIARCHALISM”—ITS UNDERSIDE IS HATE by Carol P. Christ
Where patriarchalism trumps love, when push comes, shove often follows. The underside of love patriarchalism is hatred of the independence of women. We are told that it is the duty of a loving father and husband to protect his wife… Read More ›
Rape is Not a Political Platform – Rape is a Violent Crime! By Michele Stopera Freyhauf
Just when you think you have heard it all, here we go again – another politician with “open mouth-insert foot” syndrome. Discussing his zero-tolerance policy for abortion, Missouri Representative Todd Akin made the following statement last Sunday about pregnancies that… Read More ›
Reproductive Justice by Gina Messina-Dysert
Following the testimony of Sandra Fluke on the lack of availability of contraception and the appalling remarks by Rush Limbaugh that took place in early March, 2012, much discussion around issues of reproductive justice has emerged. Among these conversations, Mary… Read More ›
Grievances Against the GOP from a (former?) Republican Woman by Katie German
I was raised in a conservative, Republican, military family. I support personal freedom and personal responsibility. I support the military. I support a balanced budget. I support individual rights and the constitution. I support small government. But I find myself… Read More ›
Get Your Laws off my Body! by Elise Edwards
After considering Virginia’s Transvaginal Utrasound Bill in light of the womanist critique, I wonder if religiously-motivated lawmakers considered that they alone do not have access to God’s intentions, but that the divine spirit is operative in a pregnant woman as… Read More ›
Of Human Life* By Carol P. Christ
Watching the last episode of the Australian series Brides of Christ in which Catherine leaves the sisterhood of the convent because of her disagreement with Humanae Vitae brought me right back to the Yale Roman Catholic chapel and the folk… Read More ›
Criminalizing Miscarriages: Latin America’s Zero Tolerance Policy on Abortion By Michele Stopera Freyhauf
Imagine suffering a miscarriage. All of us have or know someone who has suffered one; I had two. For me it was a terrible time and I still remember the day of loss and the expected due date. We all… Read More ›
The Misbegotten Male: Male Sex-Selection & Female Abortion By Cynthia Garrity Bond
I turned away and, despite myself, the tears came, tears Of weakness and disappointment; for what woman wants a girl for her first-born? They took the child from me. Kali said: “Never mind. There will be many later On. You have plenty of time” Kamala… Read More ›
