faith

"Keep politics out of women's health" is a sentiment we have heard a lot regarding the Komen debacle. But isn't it always political? Perhaps even always religious?

When does a legal right become theoretical instead of real? If you want to know the answer, take a look at what’s happening to reproductive rights.

My personal life experience and my work as a pastor show that an unplanned pregnancy can quickly complicate the life of a woman and her loved ones. It’s only right to make contraception available under health reform to all who desire to use it.

As a member of the clergy, I provide many hours of pastoral care to women and families in the congregations and communities where I minister. The clergy experience confirms that these women come to their decisions with a sense of responsibility for themselves, their families, their other children, and their goals in life.

As a government shutdown looms and Congressional leaders indicate that the final sticking point in budget negotiations revolves around extreme proposals to strip funding for women’s health centers, pro-life religious leaders and leading advocates for preventing unplanned pregnancy are speaking out.

Follow Jodi Jacobson on Twitter, @jljacobson

While few pro-choice religious leaders get noticed, across the country clergy provide support to their parishioners struggling with medical issues - including reproductive health care.