Jans, Lydia (2023) Holy Life: the Ethics of Reproductive Rights. Bachelor thesis, Bachelor Religiewetenschappen.
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22-23 BA RW thesis M.E. Jans (4537351).pdf Restricted to Repository staff only Download (1MB) |
Abstract
This bachelor’s thesis has examined the significance of including organizations that fall outside the binary of mainstream pro-choice and pro-life movements in the abortion debate in the United States. By zooming in on these organizations, particularly religious pro-choice organizations and secular prolife organizations, I have unveiled a more nuanced understanding of the complex landscape surrounding the abortion wars. Moreover, through an exploration of the various organizations, such as RCRC.org and Secularprochoice.org, who challenge the dominant narrative, I’ve highlighted the importance of inclusivity and broadening the conversation on reproductive rights. The presence of religious pro-choice organizations brings to light the diverse religious perspectives that affirm a woman's agency in reproductive decision-making. And by recognizing the existence of secular pro-life organizations, we acknowledge the ethical and philosophical arguments against abortion that transcend religious boundaries. However, it does not stop with the organizations I analyzed for this bachelor’s thesis; countless other groups promote arguments that, if they would be included more more included in the public debate, would make for a more colorful debate with organizations and voices who bridge gaps between the two binary camps. A few of the many organizations that combine religion and being prochoice, for instance, are: - Catholics for Choice, an organization that advocates for reproductive rights and access to contraception and abortion within the Catholic faith (https://www.catholicsforchoice.org/): - Jewish Women International (www.JWI.org), a Jewish organization that stands up for for women's rights and addresses various issues, including reproductive health and choice. - Muslims for Progressive Values (https://www.mpvusa.org/), promoting a progressive interpretation of Islam and works on various social justice issues, including reproductive rights. Contrary, three examples of organizations that integrate their secular convictions with being pro-life are: - Democrats for Life of America (https://www.democratsforlife.org/), a secular organization that aims to promote a pro-life stance within the Democratic Party. Among else, they propose policies that support and respect the dignity and value of human life at all stages, including opposition to abortion. - Pro-Life Alliance of Gays and Lesbians (www.plagal.org), an inclusive movement that brings together individuals from the LGBTQ+ community who hold pro-life views. They work to dismantle the general perception that all LGBTQ+ individuals support abortion rights, and to provide a platform for their unique perspectives. - Feminists for Life (https://www.feministsforlife.org/), which is a secular organization, aiming to engage feminists in the pro-life movement. Their most important argument is that abortion is not consistent with the values of equality, nonviolence, and non-discrimination. Instead, they promote resources and support for pregnant and parenting individuals and propose alternatives to abortion. This list of organizations goes on and on. It could surprise people, I imagine, because one really only hears about the two mainstream camps, religious pro-life and secular pro-choice. My thesis has underscored the need to move beyond the mainstream binary and embrace a more inclusive approach. The voices and contributions of these organizations are instrumental in advancing a comprehensive understanding of reproductive rights, religious freedom, individual autonomy, and societal well-being. Future studies could delve deeper into the specific beliefs, strategies, and impacts of these organizations, providing a more comprehensive picture of their roles in shaping the abortion debate. If I had more pages to fill for this bachelor’s thesis, I would have included sections that deal with the interesting topics of secularity and religion, and how these processes fuel this emotional debate in the US. I would have also paid more intention to what sources, texts, convictions, et cetera, the mainstream movements exactly base themselves on, as well as elaborating more on the many colorful organizations out there – I could only analyze that horribly briefly. I hope, though, that with this thesis, I underscored the difference of adding all colors of the rainbow to this black-and-white debate. I hope that we can change our trajectory towards a more inclusive future with space for all voices.
| Type: | Thesis (Bachelor) | ||||||||
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| Degree programme: | Bachelor Religiewetenschappen | ||||||||
| Academic year: | 2022-2023 | ||||||||
| Date of delivery: | 30 Nov 2023 14:24 | ||||||||
| Last modified: | 30 Nov 2023 14:24 | ||||||||
| URI: | https://rcs.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/744 |
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