Religion and Reproductive Justice
Undergraduate Project / Graduate Student Project
Project Information
Dr. Celene Ibrahim is a HBI Research Associate through the HBI Project on Gender Culture Religion and Law, and a scholar of religious studies with a focus on Islamic intellectual history and applied ethics. Her research examines Muslim-American approaches to reproductive-related decision-making. Drawing on Qur'anic sources, Islamic jurisprudence, and contemporary scholarship, she analyzes the complex interplay between traditional religious interpretations and reproductive healthcare needs in the contemporary United States. Her scholarship on religion and reproductive justice is in conversation with Jewish scholars and activists who are weighing in on the abortion debates in the United States also from a religious minority perspective. Her current research draws upon this scholarship and approaches the issue from Muslim-American perspectives in order to add depth and nuance to the conversation around reproductive justice and bodily autonomy. The project is a continuation of her previous year's project at HBI and draws upon her scholarly expertise in female religious authority, religious law, and feminist hermeneutics.
Dr. Ibrahim is looking for an intern to assist with online research (80%) and library research (20%). The selected intern will gain insight into how Muslim scholars and communities navigate reproductive ethics through religious texts and engagement with contemporary public discourses on reproductive justice. The intern would gain perspective on parallels between Jewish and Muslim approaches to balancing traditional religious law with modern healthcare needs and would be exposed to feminist theory and theology.
Profile of Appropriate Candidate
- Background in Religious Studies
- Cultural competency in Muslim and/or Jewish communities
- Familiarity with bioethics, gender studies, and/or contemporary reproductive healthcare policy helpful
- Familiarity with Arabic or Islamic studies, or the willingness to learn basic concepts and terminology, are required
- Experience with qualitative research methods
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Strong time management and organization skills