Stamford, Conn. -- In an effort to demonstrate "overwhelming majority support for a women’s right to choose safe, legal abortion and birth control," the Women’s Division voted to co-sponsor "Save Women’s Lives: March for Freedom of Choice" in Washington, D.C. on April 25.
With one dissenting opinion and a few dissenting votes, the Division voted to co-sponsor the event. Twenty delegates representing the Women’s Division will attend the march and the Division will invite United Methodist Women in surrounding areas to participate.
The Women’s Division is responding to the United Methodist Book of Discipline mandate to "expand their health and wholeness public policy advocacy to include this critical issue of reproductive and end-of-life healthcare."
The Social Principles of the denomination states: "Our belief in the sanctity of unborn human life makes us reluctant to approve abortion. But we are equally bound to respect the sacredness of the life and well-being of the mother, for whom devastating damage may result from an unacceptable pregnancy." The principles go on to say that there are tragic conflicts in life that may justify abortion and that the Church supports legal options.
In 1973, the Supreme Court struck down laws that criminalized abortion because of the number of women suffering from self-induced or back-alley abortions. With options not available to low-income or rural women who choose abortion, advocates are concerned about women turning to unsafe and illegal methods to obtain them.
The Women’s Division understands that certain groups will mis-interpret their action. In their board literature, the Division states that it has to work collaboratively with coalitions to achieve purposes like the health and safety of women who choose this option. "To work in coalition with an organization does not constitute an endorsement or embracing of every aspect of that organization or the establishment of some permanent relationship with coalition partners/co-sponsors."
Mary Gates, director of the Women’s Division, recognized on the board meeting floor that there is bound to be controversy. She has worked with Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice – a coalition of which the Women’s Division is a member – to ensure that clergy, who provide counseling for women with unintended pregnancies, give all options.
"We do not promote abortions in anyway," she told directors. "For those who choose it, we want them to have safe options."
The Women’s Division represents United Methodist Women, a one-million member organization whose purpose is to foster spiritual growth, develop leaders, and advocate for justice. Members raise around $20 million a year for programs and projects related to women, children and youth in the United States and in more than 100 countries around the world.
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