The Mission House Lecture: “Christianity, Abortion, & Reproductive Rights,” is set to be an insightful event that aims to shed light on the subject matter of faith, reproductive rights, and women’s health. Scheduled for October 23rd from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., this event will facilitate meaningful exchanges surrounding one of the most complex topics in today’s society.
The lecture will emphasize women’s rights regarding family planning, parenting, and the decision whether to have or not to have children. It will also discuss concerns surrounding the right to reproductive choice, particularly in the wake of significant legal changes such as the overturning of Roe v. Wade. The lecture will also look at Christianity’s influence on these conversations and aim to offer an alternative perspective that supports women’s moral and faithful choices about reproduction, including access to abortions.
Dr. Rebecca Todd Peters, a distinguished figure in the field of religious studies and reproductive ethics, will be the featured speaker for the event. Apart from being a Professor of Religious Studies at Elon University, she is also the Vice President of the Society of Christian Ethics and the author of “Trust Women: A Progressive Christian Argument for Reproductive Justice”. In addition to having served as a clinic escort and founding member of SACReD (Spiritual Alliance of Communities for Reproductive Dignity), Dr. Peters has a wealth of experience and expertise to share with others as a strong advocate for women’s rights in relation to reproductive health.
Rev. Dr. Julie Mavity-Maddalena highlighted Dr. Peters’ achievements and the significance they hold for the Lakeland community and students attending the upcoming event. Stating, “Dr. Peters is an exceptionally wise, experienced, faithful minister, professor, and human being who has been deeply involved in this issue for many years. She is an outstanding resource on a topic many people avoid, because she has listened to and empathized with women facing these choices, faced them herself, and written and spoken about them in a variety of contexts.”
Reproductive choices, Dr. Mavity-Maddalena emphasized, often exist in the shadows, shrouded in silence, shame and desperation. Those facing such choices may feel alone, scared or judged, and this event aims to address these issues to support women’s health and well-being. In addition, it recognizes the importance of lifting the stigma attached to the history of oppressive attitudes and policies seeking to control women’s bodies.
The Mission House Lecture: “Christianity, Abortion, & Reproductive Rights” is expected to be an enlightening and empowering event that encourages the community to engage in conversations that are often considered challenging or uncomfortable. In the pursuit of understanding and empathy, this lecture has the potential to break down the barriers of prejudice surrounding reproductive rights for the benefit of women and society at large.
The Mission House Lecture on October 23rd is not just an event, it is also an opportunity to explore a topic that is too often left unspoken and to support women in making choices that are fundamental to their well-being and autonomy. A question and answer session will provide attendees with the chance to engage directly with Dr. Peters. This will be a wonderful opportunity to listen, learn, and ask questions, allowing for an open dialogue on an important, yet difficult subject.