By Paula Goldstein, NJHSA Board Chair, and Reuben D. Rotman, NJHSA President & CEO
NJHSA Statement on SCOTUS Decision to Reverse Roe v. Wade
June 26, 2022
The Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies finds these days to be intensely challenging ones for the United States of America.
With the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health overturning Roe v. Wade, the Court has determined that the right to an abortion is no longer protected by the US Constitution and with this single ruling, has reversed close to 50 years that have supported the health, mental health and personal decision making of women and of families. This ruling challenges the core principles of this Country, namely the protection of privacy and freedom, including religious freedom, and personal choice, while also compromising the principles that guide Jewish human service agencies, namely the right to self-determination.
The member agencies of our Network recognize that this decision will not impact all women equally. Making abortion illegal will not end abortion; it simply will make it less safe. Women and girls living in poverty, people of color, members of the LGBTQIA communities, those living in rural or medically underserved communities and persons with disabilities will bear an even greater and unfair burden in accessing safe abortions and other reproductive healthcare services. Making abortion illegal also will most certainly exacerbate the current mental health crisis, as women who are denied abortions frequently experience higher rates of depression, anxiety and lower self esteem. As a Network of community-based agencies that work each day to uphold the social work value of the right to self-determination, we are renewing our commitment to ensuring that all will have access to the care they need. We will work together to maintain the Jewish community’s commitment to repairing the world as we support women and their families in all communities and from all religious and ethnic backgrounds.
May we all find the strength and courage to hold true to the values that keep communities and families safe and healthy.
Paula Goldstein, Board Chair
Reuben D. Rotman, President & CEO