Charlotte Friends Minute on Reproductive Rights

As Quakers, Charlotte Friends Meeting believes that we do not need intermediaries in matters of conscience; a person’s inner light guides personal decisions, including such matters as when to have a child or when to terminate a pregnancy.

We seek a world where individuals are respected and have autonomy over their bodies, and in which safe, legal, and affordable abortions are constitutionally guaranteed.

We seek a government that provides services including family planning, actively supporting families and individuals across their life spans. Broad and comprehensive community support needs to be available for whatever choices are made concerning pregnancy and birth.

Doctors and health care providers need to be able to provide care in the best interests of patients without fear of prosecution for doing so. We know that abortion can be a difficult choice for a woman, her family and for medical personnel. We support respectful, compassionate care for all involved.