What Clinic Blessings Are
RCRC works with spiritual leaders and organizations in local communities to lead interfaith, inclusive rituals of blessing in healthcare facilities and clinics where abortion services are provided.
We affirm that the care and compassion given to pregnant individuals honor their full personhood – a personhood which cannot and must not be diminished for any reason.
We affirm the work of abortion care as sacred.
What the Ceremonies Include
Each unique blessing is intentionally designed in collaboration with the clinic and local partners and leaders, taking into consideration the larger community context, history, cultural and religious diversity, and more. They can include:
- Diverse Readings of Sacred Texts
- Spiritual Rituals (e.g. prayer, burning of sage, cleansing water, etc.)
- Abortion Storytelling
- Staff Testimonials
- Art
- Poetry
- Music
- Singing
- Dancing
- Group Involvement & Activities (e.g. shared journaling, distributing keepsakes)
- More…
Why We Do Them
Clinics, their staff, and those who receive their care have been attacked for decades by anti-abortion extremists. Abortion opponents co-opt faith language and imagery to demonize abortion, shame those who need it, and claim abortion is at odds with faith. When we bless abortion clinics, we are speaking back in faith language that promotes healing and is rooted in love, compassion, and justice.
With each multifaith clinic blessing we hold, our goals are three-fold:
- Provide spiritual comfort and affirmation for clinic patients and staff
- Publicly rewrite the narrative about abortion and religion
- Build bridges between clinics and their local faith communities
Through these blessing ceremonies, we are a public witness to the many ways of approaching the theology of reproductive freedom. We help patients know that they are entering a space of safety and love. And we demonstrate to healthcare providers and staff that there are many people of faith who believe that the work they do is sacred.
Our hope is to help heal some of the spiritual harms done in these essential places of care.
Request a Clinic Blessing
