Reproductive Justice

BJBE stands with a person’s right to choose.  For thousands of years, our tradition has understood that the decision to keep or terminate a pregnancy is ours to make.  Jewish law is overwhelmingly clear on abortion: it is permitted in most cases; it is required in some.  Our texts explicitly say that we prioritize a person’s life, including both physical and mental well-being, over a potential life.

Since Roe v. Wade was overturned by the Supreme Court in the 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson decision, legal abortion is banned in several states.  Millions of people must cross state lines to seek reproductive health care, if they are even able to do so.  Lack of access to reproductive care predominantly affects Black and brown people and those who struggle economically.  Some of those affected will be Jewish people who are losing both their access to reproductive care and their freedom to make choices consistent with Jewish values.

BJBE, in concert with the Reform Movement, has been outspoken about supporting reproductive choice.  We host annual Repro Shabbat events in conjunction with Parashat Mishpatim, the foundational text honoring the Jewish value of reproductive freedom.  Guest speakers have educated us about relevant Illinois legislation that protects reproductive freedom.  We have learned about “crisis pregnancy centers”, how the medical profession has been impacted by the Dobbs decision, and about anti-semitism in the abortion movement since October 7.  We’ve held postcard writing campaigns and prepare comfort care kits for patients at a local clinic.  

The goal of the Reproductive Justice committee is to educate, advocate for, and support the sacred Jewish values of equality and personal autonomy