Reproductive freedom is a Jewish value.
Our tradition not only permits the termination of pregnancy, but even requires it when the life of the pregnant person is at stake.
And, the fact of the matter is, it’s a part of our lives; one in four people who can get pregnant will terminate a pregnancy by the age of 45.
We know that limiting reproductive health access has disastrous consequences. Those who lack access to reproductive health care — disproportionately those struggling financially; Black, Indigenous, and people of color communities; young people; rural communities; immigrants; people living with disabilities; and LGBTQ individuals — are more likely to live in poverty and to remain in abusive relationships. And unsafe abortions are a leading cause of death worldwide; high rates of unsafe abortions are directly associated with laws restricting access to critical health care.
Our communities should be places where anyone who has, or may ever, terminate a pregnancy feels loved and welcomed. They should be places where people understand what our tradition teaches about these issues. And they should be places where we understand the importance of fighting for reproductive health, rights, and justice for everyone.
Now, more than ever, we need Jewish moral leadership to speak out for reproductive health, rights, and justice.
We must not remain idle while barriers to health care place any individual’s health, well-being, autonomy, or economic security at risk. And rabbis can help lead the fight for reproductive health, rights, and justice by educating their communities.
Will you take the pledge to speak about reproductive rights in your rabbinic capacity this year?
I pledge to use my voice as a rabbi, cantor or Jewish educator to teach, write, and speak out about reproductive rights and Judaism in the United States and in the Jewish community.
In Judaism, the life and well-being of the pregnant person is paramount. Jewish law not only permits the termination of pregnancies but also requires it when the life of the pregnant person is at risk. Proposals to limit or block access to reproductive health care in most states reflect a specific Christian definition of the beginning of life, and limit the termination of pregnancy even in instances where Jewish law demands it. Our access to reproductive health care is guaranteed not only by the Fourteenth Amendment ━ the right to equality and privacy ━ but also by the First Amendment’s guarantee that no one religion or religious interpretation will be enshrined in law or regulation.
We must not remain idle while barriers to health care place any individual’s health, well-being, autonomy or economic security at risk. We must speak out, particularly for those facing racism, classism, and ableism when exercising their human rights. Safety, justice, freedoms, and lives are at stake.
I will help lead the fight for reproductive health, rights, and justice by educating my community, and pledge to speak and/or teach about reproductive rights in my capacity as Jewish clergy this year.
Rabbi Angela Buchdahl
Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal
Rabbi Asher Lopatin
Rabbi Lori Koffman
Rabbi Tiferet Berenbaum
Rabbi Jonah Geffen
Rabbi Hara Person
Cantor Risa Wallach
Rabbi Dr. Aryeh Cohen
Rabbi Becky Silverstein
Rabbi Rachel Timoner
Rabbi Josh Feigelson
Rabbi Shira Stutman
Rabbi Megan GoldMarche
Rabbi Yael Ridberg
Rabbi Jack Moline
Rabbi Rick Jacobs
Rabbi Deborah Waxman
Cantor Laura Croen
Rabbi Jonah Pesner
Rabbi Emily E. Segal
Rabbi Lizzi Heydemann
Rabbi Megan Doherty
Rabbi Oren Hayon
Rabbi Sam Finesmith
Rabbi Richard Steinbrink
Rabbi Ariana Katz
Cantor Laura Croen
Rabbi Robert Levy
Rabbi Marla Feldman
Rabbi Aaron Weininger
Maharat Rori Picker Neiss
Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg
Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz
Rabbi Lauren Tuchman
Rabbi Menachem Creditor
Rabbi Emily Cohen
Rabbi Ari Lev Fornari
Rabbi Robert Levy
Rabbi Michael Adam Latz
Rabbi Elyse Wechterman
Rabbi Mark Goodman
Rabbi Mary Zamore
Rabbi Elissa Sachs-Kohen
Rabbi Rachel Barenblat
Rabbi Rachel Weiss