May 10th, 2022
Access to abortion is a human right and a Jewish value. For almost 50 years, it has been settled law that the U.S. Constitution includes a right to privacy. The draft opinion leaked from the U.S. Supreme Court this week indicating that a majority of the court is ready to overturn both federal protection for abortion rights and the right to privacy is the realization of many of our fears.
This assault on human rights is only one part of a campaign to undo the gains that have been made in this country toward fuller equality for all. This ruling would disproportionately impact poor people, people of color, and people who are experiencing sexual violence and other forms of coercion
In addition, Jewish tradition specifically permits abortion in certain cases, and even mandates it in some. The notion that state governments will now make those decisions is an egregious violation of the right to free exercise of religion provided by our Constitution.
We will continue to share information with the community on ways to support people seeking abortion access and ways to advocate for abortion rights.