Jewish Federation of Cincinnati

Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC)

Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, women’s right to abortion in the United States has been tenuous. Were it not for a preliminary injunction, abortion would already be illegal after six weeks in Ohio. In all likelihood, abortion will become functionally inaccessible here before long.

In its role as a representative voice for the Cincinnati Jewish community, JCRC supports women’s right to obtain an abortion if they so choose. This perspective is rooted in our community members’ sociocultural and religious values.

First, many Jewish Cincinnatians support classical liberalism (à la John Locke), including a right to bodily autonomy. Thus, they want abortion access to be protected. Second, a great number of Jewish Cincinnatians see a need for abortion rights demanded by their religion. Because Judaism permits abortion—even sometimes requires it—the space to consult with one’s conscience and rabbi, and potentially obtain an abortion is a religious priority. And, although Jewish authorities typically consider fetuses life in potencia [potential life] and thus worth protecting, they do not consider fetuses full persons—personhood (or “life”) from conception is a Christian concept, and it should not be privileged under US law.

All this matters now because we currently have on the horizon an opportunity to enshrine in the Ohio constitution a woman’s right to obtain an abortion. The details—still forthcoming—will matter a lot; however, in principle, this is something to support.

In light of that, we (as a JCRC) will spend time doing three things in the coming months:

1) creating and amplifying opportunities in which the Jewish community can learn about and share their opinions on the issue of abortion,

2) helping to educate our community on the ballot initiatives and their potential impact, and

3) ensuring a woman’s right to an abortion is protected under law.

Friends, I know abortion is a sensitive and contentious issue. However, I look forward to some good, civil, democratic work to expand rights for Ohioans. If you disagree with this perspective, I encourage you to be in touch. That is a genuine offer, and I am eager to respectfully listen to your opinions!