Indiana Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice -- About

We are pro-choice because of our beliefs, not in spite of them.

Supporters of IRCRC include clergy as well as laypeople—dedicated members of their local congregations. Many faiths are represented, including Episcopal, Reform Jewish, United Methodist, Presbyterian, United Church of Christ, Unitarian Universalist, Baptist, and others. In addition, congregations, committees, judicatories, and secular organizations are joining as organizational supporters.

We share a common commitment to justice and compassion that is rooted in our various faith foundations.

We must spread the message that mainstream people of faith are pro-choice, pro-family planning, and pro-sex education. We believe people must be free to make reproductive decisions in keeping with their faith and circumstances.
Our healing perspectives seek solutions to pressing problems such as unintended pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, inadequate health care, and access to reproductive health care.
We oppose government interference and coercion in family decisions about when and whether to have children. Imposing any one religious point of view violates the religious freedom that is the foundation of our nation.
We reach out to people of color, those living in poverty, and other populations that are disproportionately affected by restrictive laws and policies. We advocate for resources to make reproductive options a reality for all.
As Hoosiers of faith, we want to be more vocal at the state level , asserting our own moral high ground and re-claiming religious language .
Our faith diversity provides alternate theological views for discussions on morality and social policy.
Grounded in compassion, we support faith-based all-options counseling for women who are facing problem pregnancies .

Activities include:

All Options Clergy Counseling training
Advocacy of comprehensive sex education
Sponsoring public programs with knowledgeable speakers
Legislative advocacy and participation in key coalitions
Newsletter and other printed material
Letters to the editor, guest columns
Media outreach/public relations
Training sessions and workshops
Sponsor booth at fairs
Sharing stories from faith stance
Working to ensure that local hospitals provide comprehensive reproductive healthcare services

The IRCRC Story

Above, four of the founding members of IRCRC display an RCRC t-shirt

The Indiana Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (IRCRC) was founded in September, 2004. The founders were made up primarily of people from the Lafayette area who had attended the March for Women's Lives in Washington DC earlier in April.

While at the March, the group attended a memorable and inspiring worship service in front of the Capitol building sponsored by the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice. They learned that many states have state affiliate organizations of the RCRC, but their own state -- Indiana -- did not. They returned home tired but determined to establish an Indiana affiliate.

Five months later, the group had succeeded in forming a Board of Directors, drafting Bylaws, obtaining nonprofit status, establishing a website, and other organizational developments. The group's application to become a state affiliate was approved later that fall.

During its first few years, the IRCRC has sponsored many educational and advocacy events. Its members and leaders have been outspoken in the media, and the group continues to share the pro-faith, pro-family, pro-choice point of view through publications and speaking engagements.

IRCRC is a member organization of:

Health Access and Privacy Alliance, working with other Indiana groups to ensure reproductive health and rights through the state legislature, and
Get Real, Indiana, a statewide initiative working for better sexuality education for Indiana youth.

Also, IRCRC has signed on as an endorsing organization to several important letters and pieces of legislation. To learn more about IRCRC's activities, go to Activities & Events and Action Alerts.

Please become a part of IRCRC, and encourage your congregation, committee, organization, and other groups to join. For more information, go to Donate.

Together, we can be a strong voice in the state of Indiana, speaking out for reproductive choice and religious freedom, advocating for healthy women and families, and bringing compassion and understanding to discussions regarding reproductive health.