Jewish Women Call for Discourse on Women’s Health, Reproductive Choice
Current debate over what constitutes “legitimate” rape is an offensive distraction
August 22, 2012, Washington, DC — The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) today expressed its deep concern at the direction of the public debate regarding women’s access to abortion. NCJW CEO Nancy K. Kaufman released the following statement:
“Any discussion about access to abortion needs to begin with the clear priority of protecting women’s health. It is the essence of Roe v. Wade that one view of conception and abortion cannot and should not be imposed on everyone. Rather than debating whether or not women’s access to abortion should be completely eliminated or allowed only in cases of rape or incest, we must reaffirm that women have the moral, ethical, and religious right to make their own personal decisions regarding their reproductive health. Such private health decisions are best left to a woman, her family, her doctor, and whomever she chooses to involve.
“As challenges to women’s access to abortion continue, we must focus on what’s really at stake — women’s fundamental rights — and not on preposterous claims regarding pregnancy and what constitutes ‘legitimate’ rape. As abhorrent as such claims may be, they are an offensive distraction from attempts in the House of Representatives to use every tool at hand to end all access to abortion.
“NCJW will continue to work against efforts to curtail women’s access to safe and legal reproductive health options.”
The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.
Contact: Brianne Nadeau
202-265-3000 Brianne@rabinowitz-dorf.com