Readout of Meeting with Religious Denominational Leaders on Reproductive Rights

Yesterday, White House Gender Policy Council Director Jennifer Klein and staff from the Office of the Vice President and the White House Office of Public Engagement convened a meeting with a diverse group of national religious denominational leaders on reproductive rights. Attendees discussed the importance of protecting access to health care, including reproductive health care, with a particular emphasis on the importance of equitable access for underserved communities.
 
Faith leaders also highlighted the importance of the constitutional rights affirmed in Roe v. Wade, including the fundamental right to privacy. Participants underscored the importance in ensuring that health care decisions be made by women without the interference of politicians. They also cited fears about the challenges facing families in their congregations and communities as states pass extreme laws restricting access to critical health care, including reproductive health care. 
 
Senior Administration officials highlighted the President’s commitment to reproductive rights. The Administration also committed to continued engagement and partnership with these groups.
 
Participants included representatives from:

• Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
• United Church of Christ 
• United Methodist Church 
• Presbyterian Church USA 
• The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries 
• Reconstructing Judaism
• The Rabbinical Assembly
• Yeshivat Chovevei Torah
• Central Conference of American Rabbis
  

###