Discussions about reproductive rights continue to circulate in the religious community after the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. CRCC’s Rev. Dr. Najuma Smith-Pollard and Richard Flory have been interviewed by multiple news outlets about the issue of religion and reproductive rights.
In NPR Politics, Smith-Pollard noted that she is from California, where abortion will remain legal after the ruling, setting the state up to serve as a potential safe haven for vulnerable women:
“We know California would be a safe place for women to come. So creating that network, that’s one of those next steps – creating a network for women where women can go for safe abortion, safe procedures, so they’re not at greater harm and greater risk.”
KPCC interviewed Smith-Pollard about how pastors are handling Roe v. Wade’s reversal, especially when presiding over divided congregations.
“I think it’s wise, as clergy, to take time and not to jump to any particular conclusions. There are still people in shock, some people are very angry, some people are celebratory, but they’re grappling, weighing all of the concerns. This decision brings a lot of inequity, and a lot of congregations’ leaders are also looking at the additional inequity that the overturn could bring.”
Smith-Pollard also wrote an op-ed in BET news, arguing that she supports reproductive rights as an expression of her faith, not in spite of it.
Religion News Service quoted Richard Flory on how Californian Catholic groups are fighting back against the state’s efforts to expand abortion rights after the ruling.
“They thrive on opposition … that people are against them for their beliefs,” Flory said. “Even though they made this huge victory, they’re not framing it as a victory.”
Photo Credit: Ted Eytan / Flickr (Creative Commons 2.0)
