Guest lecture: 'Religion as Resource for Reproductive Justice'

The Supreme Court's 2022 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health ushered in a new era in the ongoing work for reproductive justice. Once again in U.S. history, human rights vary dramatically from state to state. While the role of religion as a force opposing abortion access is well known, the powerful legacy of religious advocacy for trusting women and supporting pregnant people is newly relevant. In this presentation, titled "Religion as Resource for Reproductive Justice: {Augustana} College as Compassionate Community," Dr. Caryn D. Riswold will discuss how Lutheran social teaching on abortion highlights the unique opportunity for communities like Augustana to extend and embody compassion today.

About the speaker

Caryn D. Riswold is a professor of religion and the Mike and Marge McCoy Family Distinguished Chair in Lutheran Heritage and Mission at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. She is the author of four books, the most recent of which is "ReEngaging ELCA Social Teaching on Abortion" (Fortress, 2024).