Reproductive Health Justice: What Now?

Since the initial US Supreme Court leak a few weeks ago, reproductive justice advocates like myself have been in overdrive; the work to ensure birthing persons and their companions have safety, privacy, and credible information to make their own choices is still the number one focus. Since the leak, many state governing bodies, advocacy groups, and non-profit groups (including churches) have shared a lot of information that can be overwhelming.

by Tara Gibbs on July 03, 2022

Reproductive Health Justice: What Now? 

Since the initial US Supreme Court leak a few weeks ago, reproductive justice advocates like myself have been in overdrive; the work to ensure birthing persons and their companions have safety, privacy, and credible information to make their own choices is still the number one focus. Since the leak, many state governing bodies, advocacy groups, and non-profit groups (including churches) have shared a lot of information that can be overwhelming. Allow me to share a few quick FAQs to help sift through the information: 

Does this mean it is illegal to get an abortion? 

It depends on the state. As of June 17, 2022, it is still legal to get an abortion at certified abortion clinics in the state of North Carolina within the restrictions: 

  • Within first 20 weeks of pregnancy (some exceptions around “substantial threat to life/health of birthing parent” 
  • State-directed counseling 72 hours before procedure (surgical or medical); ultrasound also required 
  • Must be 18+ or with parental consent for a minor
What would the overturning of Roe v. Wade mean? Who will be affected? 

All of us will be affected. It is the language of the ruling that makes this all very concerning; expect to see a rise in laws around medical privacy, loss in insurance coverage for some, rise in insurance costs, and further strains on government services such as WIC, SNAP, Head Start programming, and other essential services for low-income families. Treating a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, and other fairly common pregnancy complications require the same standard of care as an abortion. Thus, getting access to those services will be at risk as well. IVF services and access to common forms of birth control could also be affected due to the vague language. Low-income, rural, and marginalized ethnic groups will be hit the hardest. 

 

What can I do? 
REGISTER & VOTE THIS YEAR:

Reproductive healthcare decisions are now left up to the states, meaning, our elected representatives. There is no doubt that legislation will arise in NC around this issue; it’s up to us to put officials in place who embody your values of individual liberty and choice.

North Carolina State Board of Elections 

DONATE:

One of the biggest obstacles to receiving reproductive care is a lack of funds. This could be paying for services, or other expenses such as transportation to a clinic, hotel accommodations, or childcare while at an appointment. About 1 in 5 abortion patients travel at least 50 miles one way to what is their nearest clinic. The average cost for surgical abortion at 10 weeks in 2009 was about $503 and adjusting for inflation would be about $700 today. BEWARE of Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPCs) these organizations use manipulation and misleading information to coerce patients to give birth and leave babies in the hands of shady adoption agencies. 

Reputable & Trusted Organizations 

LISTEN & LEARN:

Perhaps you are still on the fence about supporting reproductive justice as a Christian. That’s ok … just don’t become stagnant in your position! Get active and be intentional about your learning: 

 

Sources: 

Tags: women's rights, reproductive health

About the Author

Tara Gibbs

Reverend Tara S. Gibbs is the Associate Minister of Spiritual Growth at Myers Park Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC and a Christian Education Consultant at Thinking Faith Consultants. Originally from New Bern, NC, she holds an undergraduate degree from UNC-Chapel Hill and graduate degrees from Shaw University and Princeton Theological Seminary. Currently, Rev. Tara is enrolled in the Doctorate of Educational Ministry Degree Program at Columbia Theological Seminary.  Since her initial licensure and Baptist ordination, she has preached and taught for the General Baptist State Convention, The American Baptist Women, the United Missionary Baptist Association; and has crafted curriculum for Lott Carey’s Jamaica VBS, and devotionals for multiple churches. Rev. Tara also makes guest appearances on Christian radio shows and podcasts discussing the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, Clergy Women in the Black Church, sexuality & gender identity, reproductive justice, and other topics. 

Outside of her professional studies, Rev. Tara enjoys working within the community including volunteering with non-profits such as the YMCA, CMS schools, and Charlotte for Choice, a reproductive justice non-profit.  Rev. Tara also spent time serving as senior pastor for two churches in central New Jersey, and studying abroad in Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and Mexico. She has contributed writings to in the #BlackMillennialWomanism Project, the American Academy of Religion Conferences, and the American Baptist Women In Ministry Blog. In her free time, you can catch Rev. Tara fishing, cooking, playing video games, and spending time with loved ones. You can read more on her website www.revtaragibbs.com and follow @PreachNGeek on most social media platforms.

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