LET’S LEARN FROM THIS MOMENT, AND THEN, STRIVE FOR EVEN GREATER, LASTING CHANGE.
In this blog
It is hard to fully comprehend the extent to which women’s rights have taken a giant leap backwards with last week’s ruling. For 50 years, abortion was an option made available to women throughout the United States. Today, its access depends on which state you call home.
The Hadassah Foundation has promoted gender equality in the United States and Israel for over 20 years. Over that time, significant strides have been made, with women increasingly obtaining leadership positions and breaking glass ceilings in male-dominated fields.
And yet, when women don’t have the ability to choose what happens to their own bodies and futures, they lack the autonomy and support needed to obtain equality in society.
Numerous studies show that access to abortion is directly linked to economic security and well-being for women and their families. The repercussions for women of color and in underserved communities are drastically more severe, further increasing inequalities that we strive to reduce.
Poignantly explained by Ruth Bader Ginsburg z”l in her 1993 Senate confirmation hearings:
The decision whether or not to bear a child is central to a woman’s life, to her well-being and dignity. …When government controls that decision for her, she is being treated as less than a fully adult human responsible for her own choices.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg z”l
Let’s learn from this moment: what was once won, and even a right, can still be lost. The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade is not something that can be fixed and then put aside. As we see too well, even when access to abortion is granted, it then must be on sure enough footing to sustain future opposition.
Below are some ways to take action, and resources to educate ourselves and share with others.
TAKE ACTION
Hadassah For Choice
Hadassah Foundation’s parent organization Hadassah: Women’s Zionist Organization of America has been and continues to be a strong advocate on behalf of women’s health equity. Through #Hadassah4Choice, mobilize your community and urge state and federal officials to support reproductive rights.
Learn more at hadassah.org/choice.
Jews for Abortion Access
National Council of Jewish Women has created an action center where you can: Find resources on how to open space for your Jewish community to connect and unite around abortion access, contribute to their fund or a local abortion fund, and learn by attending events.
The next program is a teaching on Jewish sources around abortion on July 14th at 1:30pm. Register for events and learn more at jewsforabortionaccess.org.
Jewish Women International
Hadassah Foundation grant recipient JWI advocates at the state and federal level for full reproductive freedom. In addition, they list ways to learn about reproductive rights and abortion laws, and provide opportunities to take action.
Learn more on JWI’s website.
become Educated and be a resource for others
Know what is happening within each state
Guttmacher Institute offers a comprehensive map that tracks abortion policies and statistics for each state.
Access to abortion pills
AidAccess supports people with an unwanted pregnancy to access an abortion. They will send pills to people before they are pregnant and they can be stored for up to two years.
Access to advice
If When How provides legal advice, representation, and attorney referrals for those who would like information on an abortion.