The Moral Case

RCRC is unique in the reproductive health, rights and justice movements, because it draws on the moral power of diverse religious communities.

RCRC has proud roots in the Clergy Consultation Service on Abortion, the underground network of religious leaders created before Roe v. Wade. These brave people of conscience took risks to ensure that women could have the spiritual counseling they needed, and, if they chose, referral to a safe abortion provider.

Each woman’s complex and personal choices

Our religious principles: Compassion for the complex choices each individual may confront and the impact of these choices on families.

Our advocacy position: The decisions to become a parent, when and under what circumstances are deeply personal. These matters are best left to a woman to discern for herself in consultation with her family, her faith and others she may bring into the conversation.

Equality and justice

Our religious principles: A just society treats every person equally regardless of sex, color or economic status.

Our advocacy position: State and federal laws must ensure all people the medical, economic, and educational resources necessary for healthy families and communities equipped to nurture children in peace and love.

We oppose the Hyde Amendment, a federal law which prohibits most uses of federal funds for abortion services. In practice, this law unfairly singles out women receiving Medicaid — low-income women and some women of color.

We also oppose laws in many states that disproportionately affect low-income women, women of color, young adults and women living in rural communities, making it difficult or impossible for them to obtain reproductive health care including abortion care.

Sex and Sexuality as Part of Human Dignity

Our religious principles: Every person has inherent dignity including the sacred gift of sexuality.

Our advocacy position: We reject the shame and stigma that religious conservatives have long attached to sex, sexuality and reproduction. Publicly, we challenge these views which have polarized the debate on reproductive issues. In the secular reproductive issues movement, we present moderate and progressive faith perspectives to counter religious extremists. In our congregations and communities, we offer women spiritual support and solace as they make their reproductive choices.

Religious Liberty

Our religious principles: We are attuned to the important role of our diverse faiths in personal and public life. We treasure the religious freedom guaranteed Americans since our nation’s founding.

Our advocacy position: Good policy allows people of all religions to follow their own faiths and consciences in their own lives. In reproductive health, rights and justice, we define religious liberty as the right of a woman to make thoughtful decisions in private consultation with her doctor, her family and her faith. The religious beliefs of others should not interfere.