National Council of Jewish Women Welcomes Mifepristone Decision in Washington State Case

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2023

Media Contact:
Jake Green, jgreen@ncjw.org

NATIONAL — With the ruling out of the Washington involving medication abortion care, National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) CEO Sheila Katz released the following statement:

“National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is grateful for the decision out of Washington state from Judge Thomas Rice, blocking the FDA from taking Mifepristone off the market in 17 states and the District of Columbia. His decision counters that of Judge Matthew Kacmaryk in Northern Texas, whose ruling attempting to ban access to mifepristone was issued at almost the same time — setting up court battles likely to end up at the Supreme Court. 

“Here is what we know today: medication abortion is still available. Medication abortion is the most common method of abortion. Medication abortion offers the most effective regimen for managing early miscarriage. Medication abortion is safe and effective. And, banning or restricting access to this vital health care most hurt people who already face steep barriers to equitable health care and economic security falls hardest on people already facing barriers: young people, women, women of color, LGBTQ+ folks, people in rural areas, individuals with disabilities, and more. 

“Let us be clear: While we welcome Judge Rice’s decision, we must ensure access to mifepristone in all 50 states. This decision did not go far enough to help everyone access essential health care.  

“Judaism permits abortion and sometimes requires it when the life of the pregnant person is at risk. Above all, Judaism teaches us to respect and affirm the dignity of all people. We should all be able to make our own moral decisions about when, where, and if to have a family.

“At NCJW, we believe everyone should have access to abortion and miscarriage care as part of comprehensive health services and we will not stop fighting in the streets, in state legislatures, and in the courts, until reproductive freedom and justice is achieved.”

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National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is the oldest Jewish feminist civil rights organization working for equity and justice for women, children, and families in the United States and Israel. Through the efforts of our 210,000 grassroots advocates and 50 local sections, NCJW combines education, direct service, and advocacy to affect lasting social change at the local, state, and national levels. We approach our work through the intersections of gender, economic, and racial justice to center those most impacted in a uniquely Jewish way. Learn more at NCJW.org, and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.