Pro-Choice: An Interview Series

Photo: "Elephant in the Womb" by Sonja Lippman

As Jewish feminists, we are deeply frustrated and disappointed by the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision on the Dobbs v. Jackson case to overturn the Roe v. Wade ruling. This is a major loss for all people in need of abortion access, and it disproportionately affects those who are unable to travel — whether for financial, geographic, or other systemic reasons — to obtain an abortion or crucial gynecological care. Our hearts ache for these people, and we are determined to fight with them for justice.

Roe established the right to make a very personal, medical decision in private, and we are fearful of what overturning that precedent means for future cases involving matters such as same-sex marriage and access to contraception. We are also angered by the court’s decision to impose a ruling on the entire country that is informed by their own religious beliefs; these are beliefs that do not align with Jewish teachings, and therefore this decision denies the religious freedom that American Jews hold dear.

Our hope is that this collection of interviews gives insight into some of the faces and perspectives behind the issue of reproductive rights. Millions of people lost their right to bodily autonomy on June 24th; these interviews share the views of only a few of them. The people we interviewed come from different backgrounds, have differing religious beliefs, and work in different occupations, but they all have one thing in common: the belief that what a person does with their body should be their own choice.

Dalia Heller, Sonja Lippmann, Jemima Schoen, & Lily Pazner
jGirls+ Magazine 2021-2022 Teen Staff Members

For more information about abortion and reproductive health, check out our resources page.