Reproductive Health & Rights

In Judaism, life is sacred. Banning potentially lifesaving medical procedures and interfering with a doctor’s decision-making runs contrary to the Jewish commandment to protect life.

WRJ is a leading advocate for reproductive rights and health and continues to oppose state and federal restrictions that limit access to birth control and safe abortion services.

WRJ brings Jewish communities together to pursue reproductive health and rights as a collective voice.
Thank you to our donors who make this work possible.

WRJ’s work—and that of our Districts and local affiliates—recognize that reproductive rights mean more than abortion. Therefore, we are active in many aspects of reproductive rights, including sex education, Plan B access, and period poverty/parity. We also speak out for reproductive rights in Canada, where there are no restrictions on rights, but the economics (health care monies, etc.) are used to severely impact access in some parts of that country.

Repro Shabbat 2025

WRJ is a proud partner of Repro Shabbat 2025 on February 21-22 (Parshat Mishpatim).

Join this national movement by bringing Repro Shabbat 2025 into your community. When you sign up to host a Repro Shabbat event, you’ll receive resources to help you facilitate a program that works for your community.

Repro Shabbat provides an opportunity to honor the important Jewish value of reproductive freedom as we read Parshat Mishpatim, the portion of the Torah commonly used as the foundation of Judaism's approach to reproductive health, rights, and justice.

What's New

People standing together outside of the US Supreme Court holding signs that say "Reform Jews for Abortion Access"

With Hope, We Carry On

February 7, 2025

As we once again come up on Parashat Mishpatim, the portion of the Torah that contains the verses commonly referred to as the foundation of Judaism’s approach to reproductive health, rights, and justice, we will celebrate Repro Shabbat. You can find out more information about WRJ’s history of

two women hold signs saying "reform jews for abortion justice"

New Yorkers Fought for and WON Equal Rights

December 18, 2024

In the weeks since Election Day, there’s been a lot of despair, confusion, and regret. But one bright spot among the pain and fear that so many are feeling has been how many states voted in support of reproductive freedom. What is Prop 1? Prop 1, previously known as the New York Equal Rights

Social Justice Conference: Sign Up to Make a Difference

December 13, 2024

What defines a winner? In a democracy, is it who gets the most votes on Election Day, or something else? What do you do if the winning candidates are not supportive of the issues you hold near and dear? I am constantly tackling this question as a co-chair, along with Jane Taves, of the Rabbi Marla J

Press Releases

2025 Women’s Empowerment Award Winners to be Honored at Social Justice Conference

January 27, 2025

NEW YORK — Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ), the feminist affiliate of the largest Jewish denomination in North America, announced its 2025 Women’s Empowerment Award honorees. First established in 2019, this award now honors women, nonbinary, or genderfluid individuals who strengthen the voices of others, with a focus on empowering women and girls, and who promote progressive Jewish values. WRJ will

Graphic of a sign that says Reform Jews Fight for Aboration Rights with the text "Statement from the RAC & the Women of Reform Judaism" with both of their logos

Reform Jewish Leaders Celebrate Passage of State Ballot Measures Protecting Abortion Access

In response to the passage of seven state ballot initiatives protecting abortion access, Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, and Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch, CEO of Women of Reform Judaism, released the following statement.

Reform Movement Successful in Protecting Reproductive Freedom in Ohio

November 8, 2023

The Reform Movement in Ohio, supported by Reform Jews across the United States, lead a robust and resilient nationwide effort that culminated in today's resounding passage of Issue One.