Religious groups are better known for protesting outside abortion clinics, but clergy in Ohio gathered last week to pray and bless the staff and patients at a clinic in Cleveland.

Fifteen church leaders and rabbis held a half-hour service at the Preterm clinic. The gathering is believed to be the first of its kind in the state, according to Cleveland.com.

One United Methodist minister, Rev Laura Young, said that the group wanted to offer compassion to those who have abortions. As the executive director of the Ohio Religious Coalition for Reproductive Care (ORCRC), Young said she wants to counteract the abuse that some pro-life advocates give out.

"We're doing this because too many religious people are hurling shame and hate at women seeking abortion, when we should be offering compassion, care and spiritual healing," she said.

"This is a social justice issue, particularly in marginalized communities. Clergy cannot remain silent. We need to act. Our faith calls us to walk with women."

"Instead of recognizing and sharing the unending love of God, [protestors] show up right here, on this street, to hurl shame and hate at women," said Rev Harry Knox, president of the national Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice.

"We gather here today to say no to this shame. As people of faith, we know that God's love is constant when a woman is deciding to have an abortion. God's love is with her the entire time."

The ORCRC website says the organisation supports "the rights of women to make decisions about their reproductive lives according to their own consciences, beliefs and unique circumstances."

"We believe that such decisions should not be dictated by government policies based on a religious creed, nor should they be controlled by another person, who will not be carrying the pregnancy or bearing responsibility for its consequences," the statement adds, noting that "Religious support for reproductive choice is widespread".

The national RCRC includes members from mainstream Christian denominations and three Jewish movements.

Abortion remains a contentious issue in the US. It is legal in all 50 states, though subject to varying restrictions. A Gallup poll conducted in May 2015 found that 19 per cent of US citizens believe it should be illegal in all circumstances.