By Joyce Lisbin, CCASA Guest Blogger
The Colorado Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (CORCRC) is the religious voice for reproductive justice in the state. We reflect the diverse beliefs of many religious communities that actively support reproductive choice. Our commitment stems from the power of the First Amendment, which guarantees freedom of religion, and the knowledge that informed women are best qualified to determine their reproductive options.
To actively support these fundamental beliefs, the CORCRC advocates for institutional public policies to uphold these rights, provides education sessions to promote discussion and provides All Options Counseling to women and men of all faiths or of no specific religion.
All Options Counseling is a free, confidential and nonjudgmental service for those who are concerned about their reproductive options. This service is designed to connect the caller with a trained clergy person from the faith of their choice. Clergy (men and women) from many faiths are represented in our counseling volunteer staff. Call 720-744-CORC (2672) to be connected with a clergy person who you can anonymously discuss your concerns from a faith based perspective.
ADVOCACY: CORCRC is a strong advocate for all Coloradoans to have access to reproductive health care including contraception and abortion. We proudly testified at legislative hearings and participated in educational campaigns to defeat Amendment #67 (in favor of personhood). We continue to inform our supporters on legislation and related issues regarding reproductive justice. At present, we are actively supporting the EACH Woman Act co-sponsored by Colorado Congresswoman Diane DeGette. The proposed law would ensure that women’s health insurance covers abortion no matter if it’s private or government funding. In essence, this ends the restrictions put into place under the Hyde Amendment.
Education and Outreach: The CORCRC has exciting plans for this year. We will be producing a series of short videos of local faith leaders describing their faith organization’s stand on reproductive justice. The purpose of these videos is to clarify the different convictions held by different faith communities and to encourage discussion about this complex topic in each congregation. These videos will be available at www.corcrc.org Also, in 2016 we will be publishing our first quarterly newsletter.
It is important for everyone to know that many members of the faith community are accepting and strive to empower women to be in charge of their lives including their reproductive decisions. Please join us in the ongoing challenge of making sure that reproductive justice is sustained and thrives in Colorado.
For more information and to get involved visit www.corcrc.org or contact us at corcrc1@gmail.com to be added to our mailing list. For legislative and organizational updates Like and Follow us on Facebook.
With warm regards,
Joyce Lisbin, Ed.D.
Executive Director
Colorado Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice