Reproductive Justice

Reproductive justice is about collective liberation—the profound truth that my freedom is inextricably bound up in yours. It encompasses the right to bodily autonomy, the right to have or not have children, and the right to parent future generations in safe, supportive communities.

“It’s healing for me knowing there are religious organizations who are pro-choice.”

Crystal Hines, abortion storyteller

In our work, we’ve advocated for bodily autonomy by partnering on a bill to prohibit conversion therapy for minors and another to prevent race trait hairstyle discrimination. We’ve protected the right to choose by rallying faith leaders to oppose bills and ballot measures seeking to limit reproductive rights. We work toward safe, supportive communities in our fight for police accountability, family medical leave insurance, and for unhoused minors to obtain shelter and services.

Reproductive health, rights, and justice

Reproductive health focuses on services delivered, whether they are related to physical or mental health. It’s about people having the information and access to care for themselves. In examining systems and the current state, we ask questions like:

• Do individuals have to travel hours to access the providers they need for their care?
• Are providers supporting all individuals regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity?
• When an individual chooses to have a doula, can that person support a patient throughout labor and delivery?
• Are minors being coerced into a decision they wouldn’t choose to make?

Reproductive rights addresses the legal issues that are directly tied to one’s reproductive health and bodily autonomy. This includes rights regarding education, informed consent, and protection from unnecessary procedures. This leads us to questions like:

• Are individuals provided accurate education regarding birth control effectiveness? 
• Are patients given the information they need to make a decision at their developmental age?
• Is information provided in a language the patient speaks or reads?
• Are intersex babies undergoing numerous surgeries at a parent’s request?

“Civic law shouldn’t reflect any religious belief. Definitely not one over another.”

Dani Newsom

Reproductive justice centers on movement building. It involves individuals organizing, collaborating, and advocating for both reproductive health and rights. We are led to ask:

• Are individuals speaking out about the need for comprehensive sexual health education?
• How are individuals sharing the need for telehealthcare?
• What is being done to support parents who are in recovery?

For more information on our reproductive health rights and justice work, contact us at info@interfaithallianceco.org.