June 25, 2022
Dear Ones,
We join you in sadness and anger at the Supreme Court’s decision June 24, 2022 to overturn Roe v. Wade, removing the constitutional right to abortion in the United States. We are alarmed and concerned that power over women’s bodily autonomy now resides with the states.
Although we knew this was coming due to the leaked draft opinion in May, it is still a shock and you may find yourselves awash with many emotions, such as fear, rage, sadness, numbness and despair. Every woman has a story about what has happened to their body, so this may also trigger memories. It’s OK to feel your emotions. Take care of your heart; find someone to listen.
The Supreme Court decision affects people in many ways: physically, emotionally, spiritually, politically and economically. We know those with fewer resources are impacted more when they seek reproductive health care: Black, Indigenous, People of Color, poor people, and those who live in rural areas. People with fewer resources are not able to travel long distances to receive care.
Whatever your feelings are about abortion, Unitarian Universalism unequivocally supports every person’s bodily autonomy. You get to say what happens to your body. This stems from UU Principle number one: “we affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person.”
The UUA is committed to continue the fight for reproductive justice and First Church has a precedent to do so also, since we were involved in the clinic protection movement in the 1990’s. There are people who have been working on reproductive justice for a long time. Organizing is happening. You may wish to follow Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin for opportunities for action. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-wisconsin
If you are trying to make a decision about a pregnancy, our Ministers and Pastoral Care Associates offer confidential, non-judgmental listening. You may contact Rev. Dena McPhetres or PCA Coordinator Jeri Pearcy at: fuspastoralcare at gmail.com. We are here for you; we are here for each other.
In faith,
Rev. Dena McPhetres, Associate Minister
Rev. Kimberlee Tomczak Carlson, Minister of Religious Education
Rev. Jennifer Nordstrom, Senior Minister