Reproductive Justice Task Force Co-Chairs: Carol A. Loscalzo (The Unitarian Society of Ridgewood) Jami Thall (Morristown UU Fellowship) Email: reprojustice@uufaithaction.org
Unitarian Universalist Faith Action New Jersey, representing the Unitarian Universalist congregations in New Jersey, supports reproductive justice for all individuals. Reproductive justice, a concept put forth by coalitions of women of color, promotes the right of all people to have children, not to have children, and to raise their children in safe and healthy environments. People also have a right to health and self-determination regarding their bodies and sexuality, free from oppression and shame.
Reproductive Justice takes a holistic, human rights and social justice approach to dealing with issues that affect individual’s reproductive health and lives. The task force takes an active role in ensuring that the right to abortion remains legal, and works to create greater access to abortion in New Jersey. In addition, the task force examines the issues of comprehensive sexuality education, empowering birth choices, breastfeeding and any other issue that impacts reproductive health. Following the framework of the reproductive justice movement, the task force keeps in mind the ways that the intersecting systems of race, class, and gender, gender identity and sexual orientation affect a person’s reproductive rights.
The foundation for UUFANJ’s support for reproductive justice is rooted in the Unitarian Universalist principle that affirms and promotes the inherent worth and dignity of every person. We value life and the consciences of all people, and we are called to protect and affirm the lives of individuals when it comes to their reproductive choices. In June 2015, at the UUA General Assembly, the Reproductive Justice Statement of Conscience was passed after a study three year study followed by a year implementation. This SOC is an excellent resource for all who want to know more about reproductive justice.
At the annual plenary each Spring an annual report lays out the focus for each area in the coming year.
Reproductive Justice
- Sister Reach – https://www.sisterreach-tn.org/
- SisterSong – https://www.sistersong.net/
- Jessica Valente Newsletter – https://jessica.substack.com/
Abortion Access
- NJ Reproductive Health Website – https://www.nj.gov/health/reproductivehealth/
- Center for Reproductive Rights – https://reproductiverights.org/
- Guttmacher Institute – https://www.guttmacher.org/
Sex Education
- Sex Ed For Social Change – https://siecus.org/state_profile/new-jersey-state-profile-23/
- Advocates for Youth – https://www.advocatesforyouth.org/
- answer: sex ed honestly – https://answer.rutgers.edu/
- AMAZE – https://amaze.org/
- HiTops – https://www.hitops.org/
Menstrual Equity
- PERIOD. – https://period.org/
- The Pad Project – https://thepadproject.org
- The Flow Initiative – https://theflowinitiativefoundation.org
- Menstrual Health hub – https://mhhub.org
Maternal Justice
- New Jersey Doula Learning Collaborative – https://www.njdlc.org
Resources
Policy Briefs
- Health Care: Reproductive Justice
- LARC Statement of Policy – October 2016
- EACH Act Statement of Policy – October 2016