We Believe
Reproductive justice for every person.
The reproductive justice framework was developed and defined by SisterSong. SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective was formed in 1997 by 16 organizations of women of color from four mini-communities (Native American, African American, Latina, and Asian American) who recognized that we have the right and responsibility to represent ourselves and our communities, and the equally compelling need to advance the perspectives and needs of women of color.
Learn more about the history of reproductive justice and SisterSong on their website.
As people of religious faith and conviction, our commitment to reproductive rights includes these core values:
That families are created in many ways.
That all families should have the resources to care for their children with dignity.
That all persons desiring to be parents should have the right and opportunity to do so.
That no one should be forced into parenthood, or into narrowly-defined parenting roles.
That the sexual experiences of consenting adults are not open to government inspection, opinion, and legislation.
That all persons have a right to privacy.
That all persons have a right to education and employment without discrimination based on gender, pregnancy, or sexual orientation or identity.
That no person should ever be forced or coerced into contraception, sterilization, or abortion.
That caring communities have a responsibility to ensure that all young people have access to medically accurate, comprehensive sex education.
That all people should have access to all reproductive and sexual health information and services, including birthing options, contraception, sterilization and abortion.
That all persons should be able to live a life free from violence, including physical and sexual violence, which prevents them from controlling their sexual and reproductive lives.
That sexually transmitted infections are not a result of moral failure, and the best medical information, prevention, and treatment should be available to all.
That sex is a glorious component of the human experience, a gift of the Divine, to be expressed with respect, responsibility, and joy.
Adapted from the original by the Missouri Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice.
