About KRCRC
The reality of our state:
Abortion is mostly banned in Kentucky with limited exceptions.
our mission
We advocate for the right of all Kentuckians to make informed reproductive choices guided by their beliefs and conscience.
our values
Separation of church and state—we honor the freedom of religion.
Access to education—we advocate for the right to receive factual and accurate information.
Healthcare as a human right—we believe everyone deserves affordable healthcare, including reproductive health services and abortion care.
The right to make personal medical decisions—we oppose government interference in medical decisions.
Each individual’s faith and conscience—we celebrate the richness of experience and belief that inform decisions on reproductive choice.
our vision
We envision a Kentucky where every person has the freedom and right to access safe, affordable reproductive healthcare, including abortion and contraception.
our statewide impact
the PEOPLE WHO drive our work
our executive director
rev. muriel schmid, phd
Since becoming KRCRC’s inaugural Executive Director in June 2025, Muriel has been instrumental in driving our organization’s mission forward in Louisville, while expanding our reach statewide, and cultivating partnerships nationwide. But her commitment to KRCRC was forged years prior when she happened upon our booth at the Kentucky State Fair. That experience led to her serving on our Board of Directors.
Muriel’s career includes an impact-rich blend of leadership in theology and academia, as well as with faith-based nonprofits dedicated to social justice and peacemaking. Born in Switzerland, Muriel studied Protestant theology at the University of Neuchâtel and received her PhD in 1998. Ordained in the Swiss Reformed Church (a sister church of PCUSA), she served as a minister in Switzerland and Paris before teaching at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City for ten years while developing an interdisciplinary major in Religious Studies. Most recently, Muriel was the Administrative Director for Community Peacemaker Teams. Prior to that, she worked with JustFaith Ministries as Director of Programs in Louisville.
Muriel loves to travel and visit her family back in Switzerland, share meals with friends, see movies, and cycle. She lives with her spouse, Christine, and their three cats.
our state board officers
The officers and members of KRCRC's all-volunteer state board of directors serve three-year terms, with many continuing on after their initial term. Our state board meets monthly.
Chairperson
patricia fitzgerald
Patricia “Patty” Walker FitzGerald has been an advocate for reproductive choice since college. Patty graduated from law school in 1978 and specialized in such areas as family law, prison conditions, discrimination and disability rights. In 1995, Patty was elected as a judge to the Jefferson County Family Court, on which she served for twenty years. As an experienced counselor, FitzGerald has seen how people struggle with religious convictions as they consider terminating a pregnancy.
Secretary & Newsletter Editor
ann allen
Ann T. Allen grew up in Maryland, moved to Louisville in 1971, and taught history for forty years at the University of Louisville. She has published many books and articles on the history of women in Europe and the United States. She joined the Board of Directors in 2016 and serves as Secretary and editor of the KRCRC newsletter, Voice for Choice.
Vice-Chairperson
bernie mudd
Bernadette “Bernie” Mudd is a longtime KRCRC volunteer and supporter of reproductive choice. As a bonus mom, grandmother, aunt, and friend, she is motivated by her concern for her children’s future if they are stripped of their right to make their own healthcare decisions. Bernie is a retired graphic designer and former music director. Now she shares her design gifts with nonprofits and musical talents around Louisville and Southern Indiana.
Treasurer
Laurie kaplin
Of Jewish faith, Laurie Kaplin joined the KRCRC board in 2011 and became the treasurer for KRCRC in early 2012. She was previously employed as a SQL Database Manager and Systems Analyst for NTS Development Company but is now retired and enjoying an active life as both a volunteer for various organizations and being a grandmother.
our state board members
Rev. Wayne A. Gnatuk (Chairperson Emeritus)
Dr. Michelle Elisburg
Sarah Flannery
Heather Levitch
Rev. Elwood Sturtevant
Dr. Frances Weinstock
Land Acknowledgement: KRCRC honors and acknowledges that we live and organize on the ancestral lands of the Adena, Shawnee, Yuchi, and Eastern Band Cherokee peoples.