Celebrating Reproductive Rights

This service from July 31, 2016 was presented by members of the UTUUC Reproductive Justice Committee along with Dr. Cassing Hammond. Dr. Hammond, who delivers the sermon, practices General Obstetrics and Gynecology and also directs the Section and Fellowship in Family Planning & Contraception at Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine where he is an Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology.  In 2002, Dr. Hammond launched Northwestern's Fellowship in Family Planning & Contraception - one of more than 30 fellowship programs throughout the United States and Canada that train physician scientists in complex abortion and contraception care and research. An ardent proponent of reproductive justice, Dr. Hammond chaired the board of directors of the National Abortion Federation (NAF), the nation's largest professional association of abortion providers. He is one of fifteen founding members of the Society of Family Planning and currently a member of the board of directors of Physicians for Reproductive Health (PRH), the nation's largest physician-led reproductive rights organization. In 2005 he received NAF's C. Lalor Burdick Award, given to "Unsung Heroes" of abortion rights. He has also received special recognition for community service from both PRH, Personal PAC Illinois and the Illinois House of Representatives. Dr. Hammond's current research focuses on how contraceptives modify transmission of HIV virus. Cassing and his husband, Scott Fehlan, became members of the Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation in 2011. Following Dr. Hammond's remarks, the letters of real women expressing their thoughts and feelings around reproduction and abortion are read anonymously by members of the Reproductive Justice Committee. They are Beth Dowell, Jan Johnston, Shirley Lundin, Merritt Kanan and Jen Packhauser. Duane Dowell gives the UU perspective and history on reproductive rights. The theme for July is how to take a path of growth. To read about our theme-based ministry, please visit http://www.unitytemple.org/faith-development/soul-connections on our website.