FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2023
CONTACT
Manisha Sunil, West End Strategy Team
msunil@westendstrategy.com; (202) 417-0171
Abortion Pill Suspension Contradicts Beliefs of Most People of Faith, Says Interfaith Leader
WASHINGTON—People of diverse faiths and beliefs are criticizing Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk’s decision Friday to halt FDA approval of the abortion pill mifepristone as an egregious violation of religious freedom. The Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, president and CEO of Interfaith Alliance, released the following statement:
“The suspension of mifepristone is the anti-choice movement’s latest attempt to force the religious beliefs of a few on the bodies of many. Contrary to the narrative being pushed by Christian nationalists, with whom the ruling judge has close ties, reproductive freedom is an essential part of religious freedom. This is a clear overstep by an activist judge, motivated more by theology than the law.
“Various religious traditions approach matters of health care differently. Americans should have the ability to make decisions based on their own beliefs and circumstances, not the religious views of public officials. This ruling is completely out of step with the views of Americans from almost every religious tradition according to polls and underlined by the recent Supreme Court vote in Wisconsin, where abortion was a major factor in the landslide victory of Janet Protasiewicz.
“If one thing has become clear since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last year, it’s that people of faith and conscience will not cede ground to an extreme minority, and will continue to fight for all people to have access to comprehensive reproductive services.”
If you are interested in speaking further with Interfaith Alliance, please contact Manisha Sunil at (202) 417-0171 or msunil@westendstrategy.com.
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Interfaith Alliance is a network of people of diverse faiths and beliefs from across the country working together to build a resilient democracy and fulfill America’s promise of religious freedom and civil rights not just for some, but for all. We mobilize powerful coalitions to challenge Christian nationalism and religious extremism, while fostering a better understanding of the healthy boundaries between religion and government. We advocate at all levels of government for an equitable and just America where the freedoms of belief and religious practice are protected, and where all persons are treated with dignity and have the opportunity to thrive. For more information visit interfaithalliance.org.