Our Work is Not Over

By: Kristy Wesson (she/her)
Director of Communications and Programming, National Council of Jewish Women–Minnesota

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It is common to hear the Christian perspective in the debate on abortion care. What is far less common is hearing the Jewish view. According to Jewish law, abortion is health care. Jewish sources explicitly state that abortion is not only permitted but is required should the pregnancy endanger the life or health of the pregnant individual. Furthermore, “health” is commonly interpreted to encompass psychological health as well as physical health. Abortion access should be an essential component of comprehensive, affordable, confidential, and equitable family planning, reproductive, sexual health, and maternal health service.

Our Jewish values teach us that reproductive freedoms are integrally bound to our religious liberty; we are committed to advancing the goals of reproductive justice so that every person can make their own moral and faith-informed decisions about their body, health, and future.

As Jewish women, we believe that complete access to health care, including abortion care is fundamental to a woman’s health, both mentally and physically, and is critical to her dignity and principals, not to mention her religious freedom. Every person should be allowed to make their own decisions about their own bodies, whether that be through a faith informed lens or otherwise.

Reproductive health, rights, and justice goes beyond the basics of reproduction. It requires us to dig deeper, advocate louder, and love harder. It requires us to center the voices of those who have been marginalized at the center to lead the conversation for social change.

We are grateful to and for our partners who dedicate themselves to this crucial work. Until every person has the power to make their own informed decisions about their body, sexuality, and future, our work is not over.