When the Social Action Committee met on May 15^th, the leak of the Supreme Court decision that was likely to reverse Roe v. Wade had just hit the news.  Those at the meeting discussed their feelings about this decision and wanted to take action to help women keep their reproductive rights.  We felt that taking away reproductive rights violates our first and second UU Principles: “The inherent worth and dignity of every person” and “Justice, equity and compassion in human relations”, and we wanted to do something to help.

There are many organizations that are working on the legal and political side of this issue:  ACLU, NARAL, and Planned Parenthood to name a few.  However, we have always made an effort to select 5^th Sunday recipients that directly help people in need.  After researching, we found that there is a nationwide network of Abortion Fund organizations.  The one that serves our area is Carolina Abortion Fund, which is located in Durham and serves North and South Carolina.

Carolina Abortion Fund (CAF) is a pro-abortion and pro-choice 501-c3 nonprofit founded in 2011 by a group of clinic defenders who were tired of seeing patients delaying or cancelling their appointments just because they couldn’t afford the full cost out of pocket. They believe that abortion is healthcare, and healthcare should be well resourced and accessible to all.

CAF operates a confidential, toll-free helpline that provides financial, practical, and emotional support to callers in North and South Carolina trying to access abortion care. They serve all who call their helpline, regardless of race, gender identity, gender preference, age, citizenship. or any other socio-economic factors.  CAF works directly with clinics to provide grants that fill the gap between what patients can afford and the full cost of the procedure.

The Social Action team felt that by selecting the Carolina Abortion Fund for our July 5^th Sunday collection, we would be helping women in North and South Carolina to have access to a full range of options if they should become pregnant. 

During the month of July, you can write a check to UCF and put 5^th Sunday in the memo line.  You can either put that check in the collection plate or mail it to David Hughes, Treasurer, UCF, PO Box 425, Morehead City 28557.  You can also donate through your Breeze account or on Paypal at the bottom of this page .  Again, be sure to select 5^th Sunday if you give online.  On July 31^st (the 5^th Sunday in July) all cash donations in the collection plate that are not designated for a pledge, will also go to the 5^th Sunday collection for Carolina Abortion Fund.

Thank you in advance for all you can give to this organization which is reaching out to give women control of their reproductive choices.