Pro-life advocates have expressed outrage after three progressive female clergy members held a ritual blessing at a Maryland abortion facility, praising the tools and staff involved in performing abortions. The ceremony, led by Rev. Katey Zeh—a Baptist minister and leader of the Religious Community for Reproductive Choice (RCRC)—included blessing objects such as exam tables and recovery chairs, with incense burned as they walked through the clinic.
“You all are blessings to those who come to you for care during some of their most vulnerable and sometimes painful moments,” Zeh told the staff.
Critics, however, found the event deeply disturbing, accusing the religious leaders of perverting sacred traditions to endorse the destruction of unborn lives. CatholicVote Vice President Josh Mercer condemned the use of religious symbols for what he called a wicked purpose, stating, “Suddenly incense, ritual, prayer, and reverence all have merit. How wicked that religious practice is being hijacked to promote the killing of children.”
Other pro-life voices echoed this condemnation. Obianuju Ekeocha, founder of Culture of Life Africa, called the ceremony evidence of spiritual corruption. “Satan is really at work!” she posted.
Even women recovering from abortions at the facility expressed spiritual uncertainty. A notebook in the recovery room contained notes from patients reflecting on their decisions, with one writing, “God will forgive me for my decision.”
The RCRC claims its mission is to challenge what it calls the “shame and stigma” surrounding reproductive choices, asserting that abortion is a form of religious freedom. However, pro-life atheists like Monica Snyder, executive director of Secular Pro-Life, refute this argument. “Freedom of religion is important, but it doesn’t justify human rights violations,” Snyder stated, emphasizing that abortion fundamentally violates the right to life.
The Maryland clinic opened in response to tightening abortion restrictions in neighboring states, such as West Virginia, which ceased most abortions after the overturning of Roe v. Wade. The blessing ceremony, framed by the RCRC as an act of support, was seen by many as an affront to the sacredness of human life.
Pro-life advocates continue to oppose efforts to normalize abortion under the guise of religious liberty, asserting the sanctity of life and rejecting attempts to use faith to justify its destruction.