RCRC's Clinic Blessing Program

RCRC works with spiritual leaders and organizations in local communities to lead interfaith, inclusive rituals of blessing in healthcare facilities and clinics where abortion services are provided.

We affirm that the care and compassion given to pregnant individuals honor their full personhood – a personhood which cannot and must not be diminished for any reason.

We affirm the work of abortion care as sacred.

Left: Bethesda, Maryland blessing; Austin, Texas blessing 

Can you imagine being yelled at when you go for a medical appointment? Or when you are going to work in a medical facility? Judged and shamed by people who don’t know you or anything about the circumstances of your life?

 

This happens everyday for patients, patients’ families, and medical staff in healthcare facilities that provide abortion care.

There are some in our society who, in the name of religion, believe they have the right and duty to judge and shame others whose health care and life decisions they do not agree with. Thankfully, the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (RCRC) amplifies the voices of people of faith who, guided by our religion, honor that reproductive decision-making is a private and personal experience belonging to each individual, and, should they choose, their healthcare providers, their God, and others in their lives.

Clockwise from top left: Washington, DC blessing; Cleveland, OH blessing; McAllen, Texas blessing; Washington, DC blessing

Other Resources

Consideration Abortion? Clarifying What You Believe

Prayers and Meditations

To request these free pamphlets for your health clinic, educational center, or place of worship, please go here. We offer these materials nationwide and year-round!

RCRC Clinic Blessing Elements
  • Diverse Readings of Sacred Texts
  • Spiritual Rituals (e.g. prayer, burning of sage, cleansing water, etc.)
  • Abortion Storytelling
  • Staff Testimonials
  • Art
  • Poetry
  • Music
  • Singing
  • Dancing
  • Group Involvement & Activities  (e.g. shared journaling, distributing keepsakes, etc.)
  • and more . . .

Each unique blessing is intentionally designed in collaboration with the clinic and local partners and leaders, taking into consideration the larger community context, history, cultural and religious diversity, and more.

If your spiritual community is interested in organizing a Clinic Blessing and becoming a resource for spiritual care and support for patients and staff at clinics, contact us at info@rcrc.org.

In the News

RCRC’s Clergy and Laypeople Proudly Support:

Access

Access to comprehensive sexuality education

Planning

Family planning and contraception

Affordability

Affordable child care and health care

Adoption

Support for and access to adoption services

Abortion

Safe, legal abortion services, regardless of income or circumstance