After Historic Senate Vote on Abortion Access, National Council of Jewish Women Vows to Stay in the Fight
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 28, 2022
Media Contact:
Katie Wysong, West End Strategy Team
kwysong@westendstrategy.com; 202-702-6903
WASHINGTON — Today the US Senate took a historic vote on proactive legislation to enshrine the right to abortion care: the Women’s Health Protection Act (WHPA). National Council of Jewish Women CEO Sheila Katz issued the following statement in response:
“The Senate has never before voted on the Women’s Health Protection Act or on any piece of proactive legislation that gives providers the right to provide abortion care and patients the right to receive it. Sadly, today’s vote, which failed to advance this bill to debate, hasn’t changed the reality on the ground for everyday people seeking abortion care in places like Texas. Every moment without meaningful action is a moment when people in parts of the United States are being forced to be pregnant and bear children.
“At a time when abortion access is under imminent threat by state legislatures and the Supreme Court, we thank our elected officials who went on record about their support for abortion care for everyone. Those most impacted by abortion restrictions are Black, Indigenous and People of Color, women, members of the LGBTQI+ community, and people struggling to make ends meet who already face obstacles to health care. A vote to pass the Women’s Health Protection Act is a vote in favor of racial and reproductive justice. All who voted no have shown their true colors. They don’t care what happens to anyone who can become pregnant.
“National Council of Jewish Women advocates across the country will continue to work to ensure everyone has access to the reproductive health care they need. As Jews, our tradition not only permits, but in some cases, requires abortions when the pregnant person’s life and wellbeing is at stake. Our freedom of religion is on the line.
“With cases at the Supreme Court threatening Roe and over 500 anti-abortion bills in state legislatures, we can’t wait to protect and advance our rights. We will not stop until we can all freely make our own moral and faith-informed decisions about our bodies, health, and future.”
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National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of 200,000 volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. Through a program of education, community service, and advocacy, our advocates across the country create lasting social change on our key issues of the federal courts; reproductive health, rights, and justice, and voter engagement. More information on Facebook and on Twitter at @NCJW.