I’m Voting NO on Proposition 115

Isabela Rosales

As a Latina, activist, and person of faith, I’m voting NO on Proposition 115. My faith values self-determinacy in all people, no matter the circumstances of their life. Proposition 115 – an intentionally confusing initiative to ban abortion – undermines the very fabric of these religious principles. The fact is, we cannot possibly know the complex realities of every pregnancy, as this one-size-fits-all measure suggests, but we CAN trust that the pregnant person has weighed the options available to them in determining whether or not to pursue an abortion. And this is what our faith calls us to do.

I am continuously frustrated by the insertion of religion into the ongoing political debate around abortion care and access. I interpret scripture in support of self-determinacy in womxn. If we are to bring religion into the discussion of reproductive rights and justice, we need to do it in ways that value people’s autonomy.

The pro-life/pro-choice dichotomy is harmful in that it ignores the lived experiences of people who seek abortion care, and who are sustaining life in other ways. We, as people of faith, must accept the leadership challenge to create a community of support, respect, and be open to conversation about different lived experiences.

For these reasons, I urge you to vote NO on Proposition 115.

We, as people of faith, must accept the leadership challenge to create a community of support, respect, and be open to conversation about different lived experiences.

Isabela Rosales is Latina doctoral student in the study of Religion at the University of Denver.

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