It’s been 49 years since the landmark Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade, and the fight for reproductive rights rages on.
“Roe set the precedent that patients have the right to make decisions about their reproductive health,” said Hadassah National President Rhoda Smolow at Hadassah’s program “The Road Beyond Roe: Advocating for Reproductive Rights.”
“They have the choice of when or if to carry a pregnancy. And the freedom to decide – based on medical guidance and their own values – what is best for their health and the plan for their family. Trust that women are fully capable and the most important decision-makers over their health and their bodies.”
During the program feminist pioneer-activist-writer Letty Cottin Pogrebin, interviewed by writer and journalist Esther Kustanowitz, took the audience back to the days before Roe and that historic decision. Pogrebin spoke personally about why reproductive rights are so crucial and the motivations behind her activism.
Two Jewish congresswomen, Rep. Lois Frankel from Florida and Rep. Sara Jacobs from California, amplified the call to action by discussing their support for the Women’s Health Protection Act and urging the Senate to act.
Hadassah’s Education and Advocacy Division Leaders also spoke about how Hadassah members can get involved by writing to Congress via the National Action Center; spreading the word on social media; joining the Hadassah amicus brief program for attorneys and judges, and more.
“We stand on the shoulders of all those who fought for women’s rights and women’s health,” said Smolow. “Now it’s our turn to stand up and stand strong for generations to come.”
Hadassah has and always will unequivocally stand for women’s reproductive rights and empowering women with the knowledge to make critical health decisions for themselves and their families.
The recently leaked draft Supreme Court opinion shocked the nation and showed us all how close we might be to overturning Roe v. Wade and losing federal protection for reproductive freedom. Without national protection, states will be able to severely restrict, limit and ban access to reproductive health care for millions.
Now is the time to speak out and stand strong! Hadassah urges you to contact your state and federal legislators to safeguard reproductive rights across the country and ensure women’s health is a top priority.
To do so, go to https://cqrcengage.com/hadassah/app/write-a-letter?0&engagementId=484073
Read more about Hadassah’s Advocating for Reproductive Rights at: https://www.hadassah.org/story/the-road-beyond-roe-advocating-for-reproductive-rights
Hadassah Position Statement on Reaffirming Support for Reproductive Choice: https://www.hadassah.org/policy-statement/reaffirming-support-for-reproductive-choice
If you are interested in these issues or local advocacy, contact Miriam Davidow, Hadassah Richmond Advocacy Chair at mrdavidow@gmail.com.
