By Marie Bowen
Last week an article, Latin America lags on reproductive rights, by Purnima Mane appeared on the PCUSA News Service webpage. Mane is president and chief executive officer of Pathfinder International, “a global leader in sexual and reproductive health.” The article is filled with unsupported statements, uncited statistics and references to an unidentified “Program of Action.” Mane states the goals of the Program toward the end of her article: “. . . expression of and protection for sexual and reproductive rights including access to safe abortion, post-abortion care, and expression of gender identity or sexual orientation.”
Additional unstated goals that one can surmise by reading between the lines are: to reduce fertility, increase contraceptive use, and make abortion legal in Latin American Countries. These are presented as strategies to reduce the maternal mortality ratio.
There is much to criticize in this article—so much that it is tempting to just discount it. But, there is potential for harm in the article’s mis-information, and I don’t like the way it treats Latin Americans (many of whom are partners in Presbyterian mission). The subtle expressions of disrespect require exposure. With the help of some friends I will be posting a series in response to Mane’s article and its inappropriate posting by the PCUSA New Service. In this first post I will address the anti-fertility message of the article—a message contrary to Biblical teaching and the character of God.
The PCUSA is, after all, a part of the Body of Christ. Everything posted on the PCUSA page should reflect the character of God, and the teaching of Scripture regarding our own lives and the blessing of children. Let me refresh that Biblical backdrop first.
Read more at http://presbyterianspro-life.blogspot.com/2013/08/why-is-pcusa-news-service-posting.html
1 Comment. Leave new
I appreciate everything Marie Bowen does to uphold the sanctity of life. I do wonder if her statement about the PC(USA) being part of the Body of Christ is, at this stage, more aspirational than actual. Bless you!