Reproductive Choice (2005)

WHEREAS, as affirmed in our 1991 resolution, a woman's life and health may mandate the early termination of pregnancy according to Jewish law as determined by the CJLS and the local rabbinic authority

WHEREAS, the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism supports legislation maintaining the legality and accessibility of abortion so that in those cases where our religious authorities determine that an abortion is warranted halakhically, obtaining that abortion will not be hindered by our civil law; and

WHEREAS, legislation is periodically introduced that could hinder an individual's ability to meet a halachic obligation in regard to abortions; and

WHEREAS, there has been recent evidence of this legislation in the United States Congress such as the Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act, which includes a travel restriction, making it a federal crime for any person other than a parent (including a clergyperson, grandparent, or sibling) to assist a minor to cross state lines to gain access to abortion services, unless the minor has complied with the parental notification or consent law of her home state and the Weldon Federal Refusal Clause that allows any federally funded "health care entity" to deny women information about abortion, abortion services or even referrals for abortion services, even if state laws mandate that information and services be provided on request.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism will oppose any legislation in the United States or Canada that will hinder an individual's ability to meet a halachic obligation in regard to abortion; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism hereby reaffirms its 1991 Resolution, and will register its opinion in court cases (i.e. amicus briefs), administrative agency actions or any other governmental actions that will or reasonable grounds to believe exist that it might impact a women's right to fulfill any halachic requirements in regard to abortion.