It’s no secret that Illinois is surrounded by states that are teetering on the edge of passing draconian laws related to reproductive rights. But a small crew of C-U UUs is prepared to do whatever it takes to help. 

As a symbolic “island” amid this ocean of turmoil, the original goal of our UU committee’s reproductive justice group was to emulate what’s currently being done in New Mexico where activists are making it possible for Texans in need to cross the border to get abortions. 

Our newly formed committee members have contacted other concerned folks around the nation. We’ve informed them that we want to help those people in need of procedures get to Illinois if legalities prohibit them from getting abortions in states that surround us. 

Ministers in Dallas, Washington DC and Kentucky have been in contact with the group, a master list of UU churches in surrounding states has been created and links between our committee and the local Planned Parenthood are being established. 

Depending upon our committee size, discussions of lobbying efforts and other ways to help those in need in surrounding states are being considered. 

What’s at stake? Vigilante bills that would allow anyone to sue a someone undergoing an abortion in addition to the ability to sue anyone who aids and abets these people in need. Things are looking especially dire in neighboring Missouri where the state legislative body is close to passing this and other repressive measures. 

If you have an interest in joining our party of troublemakers, please contact Rose St. Clair at religious-exploration(at)uucuc.org. We are making plans to have an Abortion on Demand tele-health provider spokesperson address the group on April 21, 2022, via Zoom, so if you’ve an interest in this effort and you’re free that night, we urge you to join us. 

While you’re mulling the group’s effort, how about coming up with an official name for our group that’s short, memorable, and compelling? A prize awaits the person who comes up with the best one and we’d love to show up at your door to deliver it in person.