The overruling of Roe v. Wade in the United States has been a stressful time for the country, with opinions flying online, protests forming on the streets, and people fearing for their rights. Amidst all of the controversy, a synagogue is now suing the state of Florida over 15-week abortion ban on the grounds of rights to privacy and religious freedom.
The lawsuit was filed in June in hopes of the entire law being thrown out completely. While it was filed on behalf of the Jewish community, the lawsuit is meant to protect everyone who can give birth.
Why are Jewish People Suing Florida?
After the Supreme court overturned Roe v. Wade, Florida passed new legislation that bans abortions after 15 weeks. This is controversial in itself since many around the world feel that people who can get pregnant and give birth should have safe access to abortions as well as freedom to make decisions about their own bodies. But there’s an extra layer to this for Jewish people in the United States.
Congregation L’Dor Va-Dor from Palm Beach County is filing the lawsuit because the abortion ban violates the State Constitution’s right to freedom of religion. Why? Jewish law states that abortion is “required” if it’s necessary to protect the health — mental or physical well-being — of the pregnant person. The Jewish religion essentially values existing life over potential life.
“They’re basically discriminating against people who are now they might not be religious, or they might be from another religion,” Miami-based OBGYN Dr. Cecilia Grande said.
The overturning of Roe v. Wade has seemed like a religious decision to many people in the United States, with many questioning if the church should have this much influence over politics and the general public. The synagogue’s lawsuit challenges this ongoing issue: Will the Supreme Court not bend for Jewish law and beliefs? Will it only bend for Christian sentiments?
So far, there hasn’t been any update on the lawsuit since it went viral. More and more people, however, have been sharing the news on Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook. Even non-Jewish people have started to rally behind the synagogue whether it be in agreement of the country’s hypocrisy, a demand for the separation of church and state, people concerned for the safety of women and child-bearing people in the United States, or people who demand the right to privacy.
Learn more about Roe v. Wade and what it means for people in the United States here. And learn more about Judaism and abortion here.