Clinic Blessings
The practice of blessing abortion clinics is central to the work that RCRC does because it speaks to our core mission: dismantling and healing religiously-fueled stigma and shame around our reproductive lives.
Last October, RCRC was invited to co-create a blessing with Women’s Health Centers of West Virginia and Maryland. Women’s Health Center responded to West Virginia’s total abortion ban (triggered by the fall of Roe) by opening a second clinic in Maryland to continue providing vital abortion care to their Appalachian community.
Clinics just like this one, their staff, and those who receive their care have been attacked for decades under the pretext of religion. Abortion opponents co-opt faith language and imagery to justify their actions, so when we bless clinics, we know we must speak back in faith language that promotes healing and is rooted in love, compassion, and justice.
Through our multifaith blessing ceremonies, we are a public witness to the many ways of approaching the theology of reproductive freedom. We help patients know that they are entering a space of safety and love. And we demonstrate to healthcare providers and staff that there are many people of faith who believe that the work they do is sacred.
photos by Maggie Shannon Photography