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RABBIS ON ROE (continued from page 1)

“We have not a half-century, but many centuries of legal prece- Three rabbis expressed the need to ensure abortion access to all,
dent in our Jewish history, affirming that the life of a mother takes especially women of color or those with limited incomes.
precedent over the life of an unborn fetus. The brutal and abrupt Congregation Shir Tikvah Rabbi Ariel Stone wrote about the
removal of the freedom to make personal health care choices in need and ways to protect the vulnerable.
the United States will put many people at risk. History shows that "Roe v. Wade should have been codified into law before now,
abortion bans do not stop abortions, they only stop safe abortions. and now is the time to demand it for all. Our struggle for a better
People of color, low income and other marginalized people will be world does not allow us to give in to panic. Our Jewish people
disproportionally affected," wrote CBI clergy. have learned over many generations how to keep our eyes on the
"Significantly, this ruling is an affront to religious liberty in our path and look for the holy, and we must demand it. The mitzvah of
nation – something which should be protected by a reasonable this moment requires empathy. As it is said, rich women are always
Supreme Court. While we recognize that there are those whose able to get an abortion. Now is the time to reach out to the most
religious beliefs condemn abortion, those beliefs are not univer- vulnerable members of our society – trans people and those of col-
sally held and should not be forced on those, such as the Jewish or. As you are able, contact your representatives and urge them to
community, whose religious teaching differs.” do justice, join in standing with abortion providers who may come
Congregation Shaarie Torah (Conservative) Rabbi Gary under physical attack and support those who are most affected."
Oren also reflected on how Jewish tradition values life and how Rabbi Elizabeth Dunsker of Congregation Kol Ami, a Reform
the ruling puts one religious view over another. As a father, he also synagogue in Vancouver, Wash., says she is proud to live in a state
reacted to the new reality on behalf of his daughter. that supports a woman’s choice.
“The decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade saddens (enrages) me for “I am proud to live in a state that actively supports a pregnant
a few reasons. (1) Our most sacred and authoritative texts do not person’s choice to terminate a pregnancy regardless of the reason,
view a fetus as full person until it is born. Therefore, forcing some- because abortion is health care. As a Jew, the health and safety of
one to carry a pregnancy that they do not want or that endangers those living in states willing to protect our health is not enough.
their life is a violation of Jewish law because it prioritizes a fetus I feel obligated to work to ensure that safe and legal abortion is
over the living adult who is pregnant. Any ruling holding that a available everywhere in our country. Jewish text and tradition all
fetus is a person effectively elevates one religious viewpoint over teach me that a pregnant person’s life is valuable and that support-
others, and infringes upon Jewish pregnant individuals’ right to ing that life even when it means ending a pregnancy is the ethical,
follow the tenets of their faith. (2) As a people who value life, this moral and Jewish thing we must do. I believe the Jewish communi-
decision clearly endangers some women. (3) I have a daughter, ty has a clear obligation to support the organizations fighting this
and it is inconceivable to me that the state would limit her ability ruling and support those who desperately need abortion services.”
to control her body.” Havurah Shalom Rabbi Benjamin Barnett agrees that action
Rather than speaking from a religious perspective, Community is needed.
Chaplain Rabbi Barry Cohen considered how the decision im- “The Supreme Court’s decision last Friday was an assault upon
pacts women. our collective freedom and safety. This decision is part of a fright-
“The Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade has broken ening backlash against the expansions of dignity and humanity in
my heart. Despite the fact that I am a rabbi and a trained chaplain, our country, and emotions like despair and fear are understand-
I will not argue from religious tradition. We can all use religion to able. Let’s channel our despair and fear toward action.
‘prove’ that our ‘pro-choice’ or ‘pro-life’ stance is correct. … As a progressive religious community, our moral voice is vital.
I have tried to imagine I am a woman who has become pregnant And for those of us with abundant access to health care and other
and must choose whether or not to bring it to term. Last night rights, as well as ample resources, there are many pathways to act
(June 23), my choice was legally protected. This morning, depend- in solidarity with those most impacted by this decision.”
ing upon where I live, it is not. I may be forced to have a child. I Rabbi Barnett shared a list of some of those organizations: The
have tried to feel the accompanying betrayal, powerlessness and National Council of Jewish Women, a leader in the Jewish move-
helplessness. ment for abortion access; The National Network of Abortion
This dreadful Supreme Court decision has denied millions of Funds, resources nationally for abortion access; the Northwest
women their power, freedom and autonomy. Full stop. We will all Abortion Access Fund, regional resources and support; and Sister
suffer the consequences.” Song, a reproductive justice collective led by women of color.
WOMEN SHARE VIEWS (continued from previous page)

As an ER doctor, she treats “people who Joseph said “Voting is number one.” But gan. Congress passed the Hyde Amend-
have fallen through the cracks of the social she added it is important to engage com- ment, which bars the use of federal funds
system that is supposed to protect them. munities in conversations for reproductive to pay for abortion except to save the life of
…I see the consequences for people who freedom that go beyond abortion to in- the woman or if the pregnancy arises from
have not had reproductive health care.” clude “access to all we need to raise happy, incest or rape. The relentless attack on the
States where abortion is now illegal have healthy families.” right to an abortion took 45 years.
threatened to prosecute doctors who per- Arcana said that pre-Roe, she learned “Now it has to be done in reverse,” said
form abortions on those who travel to states there are simple things we can do. Not ev- Arcana.
where it is legal. eryone has to be a strategist. “Do the grunt The panel was moderated by Reed Col-
“This is the scariest time I have experi- work – sign up, show up and do simple lege Professor Steven Wasserstrom.
enced,” Dr. Meieran said. “We are going to things that are necessary.” OJMCHE has posted the record-
fight back.” She also noted that just three years after ed panel discussion on its website:
When asked how to fight back, Rabbi Roe, the onslaught on abortion rights be- ojmche.org/events.
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