National Council of Jewish Women Decries Senate Vote on Women’s Health Protection Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

May 11, 2022

Media Contact:

Sarah Garfinkel; sgarfinkel@westendstrategy.com; 202-765-4290

WASHINGTON – With the US Senate once again failing to pass proactive legislation to enshrine the right to abortion care into law through the Women’s Health Protection Act (WHPA), National Council of Jewish Women CEO Sheila Katz issued the following statement:

“The Senate has now failed twice to pass proactive legislation that guarantees the right to provide and receive abortion care. It is not hyperbole to say that the failure of the Senate to pass this bill means people across our country who are already marginalized now face the inhumane reality that they could be forced into pregnancy – a life changing and potentially life threatening condition. Just one forced pregnancy is one too many, and in this moment, as many as 36 million people could face this future.

“With the Supreme Court poised to reverse 50 years of precedent and protections for the fundamental right to bodily autonomy, it is shocking that our public officials have shown a blatant disregard for women and all those who can become pregnant as states ramp up their efforts to pass cruel and inhumane antiabortion policies. 

“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. 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.