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.
Will you take the pledge to speak about reproductive rights in your capacity as emerging Jewish clergy this year?
I pledge to use my voice as an emerging rabbi, cantor, maharat, or other Jewish clergy in training 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 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, freedom, and lives are at stake.