The Morality of Sexual and Reproductive Justice

The Hill (Oct. 23, 2015): Why the Sexual and Reproductive Justice Movement Must Be a Moral Movement, by Debra W. Haffner:

A new white paper penned by the Religious Institute urges the inclusion of religious voices in the movement for sexual and reproductive health and justice. 

It is time for the public to understand that the sexual and reproductive justice movement is a moral movement. It is time to articulate that having an abortion is a moral decision, and that what is immoral is denying women lifesaving education and health services. That’s the key finding from the latest white paper from the Religious Institute, A Time to Embrace: Why the Sexual and Reproductive Justice Movement Needs Religion, released on October 20, 2015.

The white paper uncovers a “morality/legality divide” in the U.S. that must be actively addressed by articulating the ethical and religious foundations for supporting access to a full range of reproductive health care services.  Together, we must shift the cultural conversation from one of judgment to one of empathy, compassion, and affirmation of people’s moral agency.