In Judaism, life is sacred. Banning potentially lifesaving medical procedures and interfering with a doctor’s decision-making runs contrary to the Jewish commandment to protect life.
WRJ is a leading advocate for reproductive rights and health and continues to oppose state and federal restrictions that limit access to birth control and safe abortion services.
WRJ brings Jewish communities together to pursue reproductive health and rights as a collective voice.
Thank you to our donors who make this work possible.
WRJ’s work—and that of our Districts and local affiliates—recognize that reproductive rights mean more than abortion. Therefore, we are active in many aspects of reproductive rights, including sex education, Plan B access, and period poverty/parity. We also speak out for reproductive rights in Canada, where there are no restrictions on rights, but the economics (health care monies, etc.) are used to severely impact access in some parts of that country.
A Statement from WRJ Past Executive Director Rabbi Marla J. Feldman
“We are outraged that the Supreme Court has stripped women and others who can become pregnant of the fundamental right to make essential health care decisions free of governmental interference. Abortion access is a critical component of reproductive health care. Pregnant individuals are capable of making ethical decisions based on their own beliefs and medical best interest without government officials imposing their personal religious views on others. As we navigate the catastrophic results of the Court’s decision, we will work to ensure that Congress and state legislatures do everything in their power to protect and improve access to abortion and our fundamental rights. We will not be silent as the Court tries to turn back the clock fifty years.”
Press Releases
Reform Movement Leaders Denounce Ruling in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine et al. v. U.S. Food and Drug Administration et al.
A WRJ Statement on the 50th Anniversary of Roe. v. Wade
Blogs About Abortion Access
The Dobbs Decision: One Year Later
The Path Forward on Abortion Resource Guide
The Facts About Abortion
Reproductive Freedom Expands Beyond Abortion
The Intersection of Gender and Reproductive Justice
The Accidental (Repro) Advocate
For more blog posts about abortion access, reproductive justice, and reproductive rights and health, please visit the WRJ blog and search for any of these terms in the blog search bar.
Related Issues from Our Partners at the Religious Action Center
Abortion Access
Recently, we have witnessed unprecedented efforts by states throughout the U.S. to severely restrict or ban abortion. While the overall number of anti-abortion bills introduced in U.S. states thus far in 2019 is essentially the same as in 2018, the nature of the recent bills is more harmful and restrictive than anything introduced previously.
Comprehensive Sex Education
Comprehensive sex education includes information about sex, sexuality, relationships, contraception, and condoms. Sex education is directly linked to reproductive justice. Without it, individuals cannot make informed decisions about their bodies, sexual activity, or futures.
Family Planning & Contraceptives
Access to affordable family planning services is a critical component of our reproductive health and rights advocacy, as access to these services equips individuals with the necessary tools to shape their lives and futures. Family planning can reduce maternal mortality by preventing unwanted pregnancies, protect the health of children by allowing sufficient time between pregnancies, and help stabilize population growth.