Unwavering Support for Reproductive Rights

The National Coordinating Board of the YWCA of the USA voted at its meeting on November 9, 2003 in St. Petersburg, Florida to co-sponsor the March for Women's Choice in Washington, DC, on April 25, 2004. It is more important than ever that the YWCA speak out for all women's right to choose in light of recent action limiting the decision-making authority of physician and parents even when the life of the mother is threatened. More information will be provided with suggestions of how associations and regions can be involved.

The YWCA of the USA has an unwavering commitment to reproductive rights for women. The YWCA of the USA adopted a “freedom of choice” position in 1967 at the YWCA National Convention following an extensive debate by the nearly 1,000 delegates from local associations all over the country. All viewpoints were thoughtfully considered before the decision was made. This position was reaffirmed at the 1988 national convention and remains an important part of the comprehensive YWCA public policy agenda.

As early as 1906, concerned about women's health, the YWCA introduced “sex education” in its health programs. In 1919 the YWCA convened the International Conference of Women Physicians bringing together women from 32 countries. Sex education was an important part of the agenda.. In 1934 the YWCA called for legislation allowing the dissemination of birth control information.

Because of our mission to empower women and eliminate racism, the YWCA is particularly aware that low-income women and women of color are impacted disproportionately when limitations are placed on reproductive health services.

Actions taken by local associations and by the YWCA of the USA have included testimony at state and federal levels, distributing information including fact sheets to our 2 million members, meetings with legislators, and joining coalitions who resist challenges to women's legal, ethical and moral choices under the First Amendment.

For almost four decades the YWCA has been an advocate for reproductive rights and freedoms. In 1989, the YWCA was at the forefront of pro-choice demonstrations in Washington. In 1990, when attacks were made on many corporations by the Christian Action Council because of their support of Planned Parenthood, the YWCA wrote supportive letters to the corporations. In 1991, when defense appropriations tried to limit abortions for women in the military, YWCAs wrote letters of protest. In the 1980's and 1990's when administrations sought to limit international aid funding to countries which provide abortion services, the YWCA wrote and called congressional representatives asking removal of this provision from the funding bills.