So much is at stake. Our vision of a just, safe and equitable democracy hangs in the balance in this upcoming election.
Nowhere is this clearer in Missouri, where we have the opportunity to end Missouri’s abortion ban and give women the power to make their own decisions without politicians interfering.
The upcoming Missouri general election will feature Amendment 3, a critical measure that will restore women’s right to choose an abortion. A “yes” vote on Amendment 3 will put an end to Missouri’s extreme abortion ban, which is extremely dangerous. Survivors of rape and incest are being denied the care they need, women who are miscarrying are being turned away from emergency rooms and women with life-threatening complications are being told their conditions must get worse before doctors can help them.
What does this have to do with Judaism and Jewish law? Judaism not only permits abortion but even requires it when life is at stake. Pikuach nefesh and, more broadly, building a just society are ultimate Jewish concerns. We must not remain idle while barriers to health care place any individual’s health, wellbeing, autonomy or economic security at risk.
Abortion bans are a direct threat to Jewish religious freedom.
Judaism teaches us to respect and affirm the dignity of all people.
We all deserve to make our own moral decisions about our body, health and family.
Restrictions on abortion and reproductive health care are rooted in Christian extremism and white supremacy, in conflict with our nation’s core promise of religious liberty and justice for all.
A Jewish midrash (interpretive story) teaches, “If a person sits in their home and says to themselves, ‘What have the affairs of society to do with me?... Why should I trouble myself with the people’s voices of protest? Let my soul dwell in peace!’ — If one does this, they overthrow the world” (Midrash Tanhuma, Mishpatim 2:1). Staying on the sidelines on Amendment 3 is in itself an act of destruction. We each must do our part to repair the world.
Regardless of how you personally feel about abortion, this vote will determine who makes decisions about your health and your family. Missourians want to make their own decisions, not have politicians make decisions for them. Voting “yes” will make sure patients are treated with compassion, dignity and privacy – not shame or judgment.
Please join us and countless other Missourians in voting “yes” on Amendment 3 on Nov. 5 – it is the only way to ensure we will have the right to make our own personal medical decisions without government interference.
Ellen Alper and Phyllis Langsdorf are the CEO and president, respectively, of National Council of Jewish Women St. Louis.
