Response to Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health

We, the Unitarian Universalist Ministers of the greater Houston area, decry the decision of the Supreme Court of the United States to overturn Roe V. Wade. The first two principles of our faith state that we believe in “the inherent worth and dignity of every person,” and “justice, equity, and compassion in human relations.” To respect someone’s worth and dignity and afford them justice, equity, and compassion, it is vital to provide them basic bodily autonomy and the right to medical care. We believe that women and others who can become pregnant must have the right to self-determination; their bodies are their own and should not be colonized as incubators by patriarchal, paternalistic, and unscientific policy.

 

Moreover, the overturning of Roe V. Wade belies a troubling theocratic streak that is manifesting in our lawmaking process. This decision of the Court reifies particular, conservative Christian beliefs into a blunt, compassionless law that violates the religious beliefs of others who do not share these views. As such, the decision violates the First Amendment, specifically the separation of Church and State and freedom of religion.

 

As Unitarian Universalists, we vow to continue to work toward the improvement of the lives and agency of women and others marginalized by misogyny. We acknowledge this can only happen if women and those who are not cis men are treated as fully human, including possessing the basic human right to sovereignty over one’s body.

 

Signed

J. Sylvan, Bay Area Unitarian Universalist Church

Rev. Michelle LaGrave, Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church

Rev. D. Scott Cooper, First Unitarian Universalist Houston

Rev. Dr. Becky Edmiston-Lange

Rev. Dr. Colin Bossen, First Unitarian Universalist Houston

Rev. Dan King, Minister Emeritus, First UU Church of Houston

Rev. Sarah Prickett, Minister, Northwoods UU Church, The Woodlands