Podcasts religion Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation's Podcast Celebrating Reproductive Rights

Celebrating Reproductive Rights

Published: July 31, 2016, 5 p.m.

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This service from July 31, 2016 was presented by members of the UTUUC Reproductive Justice Committee along with Dr. Cassing Hammond.\\xa0Dr. Hammond, who delivers the sermon, practices General Obstetrics and Gynecology and also directs the\\xa0Section and Fellowship in Family Planning & Contraception at Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine where he is an Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology.\\xa0

In 2002, Dr. Hammond\\xa0launched Northwestern\\u2019s 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\\u2019s 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\\u2019s largest physician-led reproductive rights organization. In 2005 he received NAF\\u2019s C. Lalor Burdick Award, given to \\u201cUnsung Heroes\\u201d of abortion rights. He has also received special recognition for community service from both PRH, Personal PAC Illinois and the Illinois House of Representatives.\\xa0Dr. Hammond\'s current research focuses on how contraceptives modify transmission of HIV virus. Cassing\\xa0and 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\\xa0Reproductive Justice\\xa0Committee. 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\\xa0July\\xa0is how to take a path of growth.\\xa0To read about our\\xa0theme-based ministry, please visit\\xa0http://www.unitytemple.org/faith-development/soul-connections\\xa0on our website.

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