On Sunday, several groupsl held an abortion access rally in Minnesota. They include Jewish-led organizations, who say much of their community doesn’t want to see reproductive rights taken away.
Conservative Christians and many of their congregants had long called for the recent dismantling of ‘Roe v. Wade’ by the U.S. Supreme Court.
But Beth Gendler, executive director of Minnesota’s Jewish Community Action, said it’s a different tone across Judaism. Pew Research notes 83% of Jews feel abortion should be legal in all or most cases.
Gendler said it goes back to early writings from their faith that life begins at birth.
Opponents from some other faiths believe life begins at conception.
Despite the ruling, abortion remains legal in Minnesota. But the coalition behind the upcoming rally wants more access as neighboring states implement bans, forcing more patients to receive care here.
And they want some current Minnesota restrictions lifted, such as a 24-hour waiting period.
Erica Solomon, executive director of the Minnesota section of the National Council of Jewish Women, added that their belief system strongly prioritizes standing up for marginalized populations.
While groups like hers are speaking out, Soloman added they’re not trying to step on the toes of pro-choice activists who have been doing this work for years.
