Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, many of us have been searching for ways to fight for reproductive rights Jewishly. This Jewish Mom’s Guide to Abortion discusses the Jewish perspective on abortion and all of the direct ways that we can help the fight. There are also a ton of resources for those seeking an abortion.
Jewish Views on Abortion
- According to a 2014 Pew Research poll, 83% of Jews in the US support abortion being legal in all/most cases.
- The Jewish ethic of Pikuach Nefesh demands all other laws can be set aside in order to save a life. This belief extends to protecting the physical and mental health of a pregnant person. At least 60% of people who have abortions are already parents and the health of these children also needs to be protected.
- In Exodus 21:22-23, there are two scenarios both involving two men are fighting and injure a pregnant woman. In the first scenario, the injured woman has a miscarriage and the assailant must pay a fine to her husband. In the second scenario, the woman in killed and it is treated as murder. These verse are a demonstration of how a fetus is not considered the same as human life.
Jewish Resources
Judaism and Abortion from National Council of Jewish Women
The Path Forward on Abortion Resource Guide from Religious Action Center
Abortion and Judaism – My Jewish Learning
The Jewish Case for Abortion Access by Steph Black for Alma
The Activist Offering: We Need You in the Movement for Abortion Rights by Steph Black for The Progressive Magazine
Ritual for Abortion and A Prayer for Abortion by Deborah Eisenbach-Budner with Rabbi Susan Schnur
The Torah of Reproductive Justice by Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg for Sefaria
Abortion and Jewish Values Toolkit by the National Council of Jewish Women
Abortion Funds
National Network of Abortion Funds – Abortion funds help pay for abortions for people who need them. Beyond paying for the abortion itself, they will help pay for travel when needed. Considering setting up a reoccurring donations. While we’re all very focused on this cause now or focus will wane, but the need will not. They also have a great merch. store where all the money goes towards these funds.
Abortion Freedom Fund – This fund specifically raises money to pay for Telehealth, self-managed abortions. Abortion pills are incredibly safe and work up to 10-weeks of pregnancy when more people seek abortions.
Indigenous Women Rising – This abortion fund was created by indigenous women specifically to support the indigenous community.
Find Where You Can Get An Abortion
With how quickly laws are changing, it can be hard to know what abortions are legal in your area. These are the best up-to-date resources.
I Need an A – This is an up-to-date resource for where you can get an abortion. Enter your age, zip code, and how many weeks since your last period and they’ll give you all of your options.
Abortion Finder – Enter your location, date of your last period, and age and it will give you the best options for in-person or virtual abortion care. Here is there state-by-state guide of abortion regulations. They also have great resources for what to expect from an abortion procedure, the difference between pills and a procedure, etc.
Self-Managed Abortion
Plan C – This is a search tool to find options for getting the abortion pill. Recommendations are based on location.
AidAccess – They offer abortion pills by mail. You can request them ahead of time. Pills cost about $150.
Morning-After Pills by Mail
Stix – They offer emergency contraception without a prescription. It can be ordered ahead of time to have on hand and they have a donation fund for people who need assistance purchasing it. They also offer pregnancy tests, ovulation tests, yeast infection kits, and more.
Favor – They offer have a telehealth care with a medical professional who can prescribe birth control pills and emergency contraception through your health insurance. The medication is then shipped to your home.
Legal Resources
Repro Legal Helpline – Attorneys and advocates provide legal information and support to people navigating complex laws in order to self-determine their reproductive lives. They have a helpline to call and a secure form to request advice.
Logistical Support
Apiary for Practical Support – A lot of people have gone on their social media to offer that people in need of an abortion can stay on their couch. Please know that that can put you and the vulnerable person at risk. This is an organization that actually does the work of physically getting people to the abortion care they need. All volunteers are vetted and trained for this work. You can commit to becoming a volunteer or donate to help the cause.
Emotional Support
M & A Hotline – Call or text for support while you’re having a self-managed abortion or miscarriage
Exhale Pro-Voice – Need to talk with someone about your abortion experience? Text Exhale Pro-Voice for nonjudgmental after-abortion support.
Faith Aloud – They offer compassionate and nonjudgmental support from trained clergy and religious counselors. Faith Aloud’s specially trained counselors are clergy and religious counselors from a variety of faiths: Roman Catholic, Jewish, Unitarian-Universalist, Protestant Christian, and Buddhist. Persons of no particular religious faith are equally welcome to call.
Sterilization
Gynecologists who will perform a tubal sterilization – This list is for physicians who are willing to perform a tubal ligation on any patient, 18-21+, no matter their marital status or number of children.
Is my Jewish Mom’s Guide to Abortion missing something important? Shoot me an email at marti@everydayjewishmom.com