Not Despite Our Judaism, but Because of It: Show Your Support for Reproductive Rights

Four individuals holding a sign that says PROTECT SAFE LEGAL ABORTION

Yesterday, Sebastian Gorka, a notorious far-right pundit, attacked me on Twitter for my unequivocal support for reproductive rights. In fact, he implied that supporting an individual’s right to make moral decisions about their own health care is antithetical to Jewish values.

How did this happen?

On Tuesday, the RAC held an event as part of our Machon Kaplan Summer Event Series for college students where we discussed Judaism, abortion, and the future of Roe v. Wade. During the event, I emphasized that I don’t support reproductive rights and access to abortion despite my Judaism, but because of it.

The right of individuals to control their own bodies is deeply-rooted in Judaism, a fact with a clear foundation in Jewish law. This is nothing new for the Reform Movement. We’ve been saying it since 1935.

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About the Author

Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner

Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner (he/him) represents the Reform Movement to Congress and the administration as the director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism. He also serves as the senior vice president of the Union for Reform Judaism. Named one of the most influential rabbis in America, he has been an inspirational leader, creative entrepreneur, and tireless advocate for social justice.

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