WEST HARTFORD, CONN. (June 24, 2022) – The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford decries today’s Supreme Court Ruling overturning Roe v. Wade, a 50-year Constitutional right that respected the right of a woman to choose an abortion within certain parameters. This decision will leave the country divided such that women in some states will have limited or no right to abortion, even in the event of rape or when their physical or mental health is at risk. It is important to recognize that prohibiting total abortion access is contrary to centuries-old Jewish law and traditions, as well as our principal value of saving a life. Judaism compels us to stand for all life, and we prioritize the life and health of a pregnant person. While we treat a fetus with great significance, it does not merit equal status with the person giving birth. If the fetus endangers a person’s life physically or through mental anguish, Jewish law supports or may counsel abortion. 

While the High Court did not address the issue of religious freedom under the First Amendment, it has in effect enshrined one religious view over others. The foundational principle of separation of church and state prohibits the governmental imposition of religious beliefs.  Overturning Roe v. Wade violates this principle.

While the Court is leaving to the states the right to decide whether or not there will be abortions in their states, that takes the decision out of the hands of the woman and her medical provider and leaves it to state legislators to dictate what a woman must do who is pregnant. 

We thank Governor Lamont and Connecticut legislators for continuing to protect fundamental rights.

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Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford protects and enhances the well-being of Jews worldwide through the values of tikkun olam (repairing the world), tzedakah (charity and social justice) and Torah (Jewish learning).

The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford advocates, educates, collaborates, and mobilizes the Jewish community to ensure a strong and secure Jewish future. JCRC builds alliances within and outside the Jewish community, educating and galvanizing the community on issues of social justice, enhancing the community’s understanding of Israel, combating antisemitism and hate, and advocating for public policy consistent with Jewish values.