Today, We Celebrate Motherhood
In recognition of the sacredness of motherhood and the tragic stories of maternal mortality, we call on local congregations to advocate with policy makers at all levels to improve maternal health through increased access to maternal health and family planning services and to support United Methodist projects around the world working on maternal health and family planning. (2016 Book of Resolutions, “Maternal Health: The Church’s Role”)
On Mother’s Day we celebrate women around the world and rekindle our commitment to maternal health, and the safety of millions of women and children globally. Millions of women around the world have taken the journey to motherhood in various ways - some biologically and some by adoption. The journey to motherhood is not always easy because of the many challenges presented to every woman who becomes a mother or wishes to become a mother. The Bible contains stories of women who became mothers, others that struggled with infertility, and those who lost their lives in childbirth.
We celebrate the joy of motherhood. We also remember the millions of women and girls around the world who face life-threatening injury and death because of lack of access to family planning information and services including contraceptives, prenatal care, safe delivery and postnatal care. Every woman has the right to access these services so that she can prevent or delay pregnancy, have a safe pregnancy, and survive childbirth so that she can help raise her children. We believe that Jesus had this in mind when he said he came so that we may have abundant life (John 10:10).
We call on Congress to ensure that the United States government continue to help fund maternal health programs around the world. This Mother’s Day, we can honor mothers around the world by making a commitment to fund maternal health. It is our Christian calling to help those who are in need. It is our responsibility to remind our policy makers of their duty to protect women and girls around the world.
Happy Mother’s Day!
