Our Traditional Values Respect the Life in the Womb

It is important to recognize that views on the issue of abortion vary among Native American communities, and there is no single, monolithic “Native American” position on the issue. But it must be said that most Native American communities hold pro-life views that are influenced by our cultural and spiritual beliefs.

For example, many of our cultures strongly emphasize the interconnectedness of all life and the need to respect and care for the natural world. Some may view abortion as contrary to these values, as it involves terminating potential life.

However, it is crucial to recognize that Native American communities are diverse and complex, and individual beliefs and practices may vary widely. It is also important to acknowledge that reproductive rights are complex, with many social, cultural, and political factors at play.

Building a family is a value and required to continue the next generation of leaders. The concept of the family often extends beyond just the nuclear family to include extended family members, ancestors, and the broader community. Family relationships are seen as a source of strength and support, and there is a strong emphasis on maintaining close ties between family members.

Like many other populations, some Native American communities have recently experienced declining birth rates. Several factors may contribute to this trend, including limited access to healthcare, economic challenges, and changing social norms. Nevertheless, we must remind our communities that our efforts to address low birth rates must consider our cultural values and work to ensure we are responsive to community needs.

What we know about current birthrates:

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the birth rate for Native American and Alaska Native women was 11.9 per 1,000 women in 2019. This is lower than the birth rate for all women in the United States, which was 17.8 per 1,000 women in 2019.
• The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) reports that the number of births to Native American and Alaska Native women has been declining since 2007. In 2007, there were 28,400 births to Native American and Alaska Native women. By 2019, this number had declined to 26,124.
• The Pew Research Center reports that the fertility rate for Native American women is 1.6 children per woman, below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman.

The Native Americans for Sovereignty and Preservation strongly value life in the womb, recognizing its inherent worth and importance. With a deep respect for the sacredness of life, they advocate for the protection and preservation of unborn children, emphasizing the need to provide support, resources, and care for expectant mothers. By upholding this value, they strive to ensure the well-being and dignity of every life, fostering a culture of compassion, respect, and reverence for the unborn within Native American communities and society as a whole.