Reproductive Freedom
NCJW is a volunteer organization that has been at the forefront
of social change for over a century. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW
courageously takes a progressive stance on issues such as child welfare,
women's rights, and reproductive freedom.
NCJW supports the protection of every woman's right to
reproductive choice, including safe and legal abortion, and the elimination of
obstacles that limit reproductive freedom. For decades, NCJW has advocated for
abortion rights and access to the full range of family planning options in this
country and internationally.
In recent years, anti-abortion forces and the religious
right have mounted many attacks on hard won reproductive rights. NCJW strongly
opposes any measures that would restrict a woman's right to choose or deny
access to needed family planning services.
The Supreme Court's landmark Roe v. Wade decision in 1973
acknowledged and protected a woman's right to control her reproductive life,
including obtaining a safe and legal abortion.
Recent court decisions and laws have reversed much of what
was accomplished by and since the Roe decision. In fact, today, efforts are
ongoing to nominate and confirm anti-choice judges to lifetime positions on the
federal bench. These efforts are opposed through Benchmark: NCJW's Campaign to Save Roe
,
a program that educates, mobilizes, and advocates for a federal judiciary that
will protect fundamental freedoms, including a woman's right to reproductive choice.
One of the best protections for women's reproductive freedom
is pro-active legislation that would provide women with options and information
to reduce unintended pregnancies. NCJW supports such legislation and other
measures that protect women's right to reproductive freedom.
Jewish Values and Reproductive Rights
From RELIGIOUS ACTION CENTER
All life is sacred in Judaism. Although an unborn fetus is
precious and is to be protected, Judaism views the life of the mother as
paramount, placing a higher value on existing life than on potential life.
Women are commanded to care for the health and well being of their bodies above
all else. Therefore, there are several instances in Judaism where abortions are
not only condoned, but are mandated.
In the Mishnah Ohaloth 7:6, for example, a woman is
forbidden from sacrificing her own life for that of the fetus, and if her life
is threatened, she is allowed no other option but abortion. In addition, if the
mental health, sanity, or self-esteem of the woman (i.e. in the case of rape or
incest) is at risk due to the pregnancy itself, the woman is permitted to
terminate the pregnancy. It is due to the intrinsic Jewish belief in the
sanctity of life that abortion is viewed as both a moral and correct decision
under some circumstances.
By ALLISON LAUTERBACH
A volunteer at the Religious Coalition for Reproductive
Choice chooses role models in the work world.
In 1970 New York became a key state to approve abortion rights
before Roe v. Wade and was seen by the movement as the tipping point. On the eve
of Passover it was going to lose by one vote. At the last second, a Jewish legislator
changed his vote explaining that he knew it was going to end his political career
but that he was about to celebrate Passover and ...
