Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice Expands Focus on Reproductive Justice

May 8, 2012 — The Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice recently selected a new president and CEO to lead the organization on a broadened agenda of reproductive justice, Women's eNews reports. The Rev. Harry Knox, who will take over as president and CEO in July, is "best known as a national gay rights leader," according to Women's eNews.

RCRC, which comprises national organizations representing numerous faiths, has long advocated on behalf of issues such as reducing infant and maternal mortality, combating sexually transmitted infections, and improving access to care among marginalized communities. Its newly expanded focus on reproductive justice aims to better encompass issues such as access to health care and education, economic security and a safe environment -- all of which affect reproductive choices. The change comes in response to the many state-level attacks on reproductive rights and as a way to solidify alliances to address the shared concerns, Women's eNews reports.

A three-day leadership conference last month in Washington, D.C., kicked off the new agenda. Marjorie Signer, the group's communications director, said, "We will be using our considerable grassroots power to bring religious people and groups that are pro-choice into the broader social justice movement" (Clarkson, Women's eNews, 5/4).