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Affirming Support for Reproductive Health Medication

July 2023

Women’s Health

In light of recent attacks and federal court rulings on Federal Drug Administration-approved reproductive health medications, Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc. reaffirms its commitment to women’s reproductive choice and complete, affordable access to reproductive health services. Hadassah also reaffirms its support for patient protections, including for those seeking medication, such as mifepristone, as well as protections for health professionals and allies who provide or facilitate access to reproductive care.

Restrictions on reproductive choice can result in a wide range of dire health effects, including increased mental distress, complications tied to pregnancy and high maternal mortality. Mifepristone, approved by the FDA more than 20 years ago, has been safely used by millions of people for pregnancy termination and miscarriage management. Without access to this medication, as many as 2.4 million women of reproductive age could lose local access to abortion care.

We all deserve agency over our own bodies and the autonomy to make reproductive health decisions based on medical guidance, our own values, and what we feel is best for our health. Reproductive health services are fundamental and essential components of comprehensive health care. Protections for reproductive health medications are critical to preventing worsening health impacts for women and ensuring women nationwide maintain access to necessary reproductive health care safely and easily. Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, strongly urges:

  • Officials to recognize the safety and efficacy of mifepristone as reproductive health medication, oppose bans or restrictions and support measures to expand access.
  • Policymakers at the local, state and federal levels to ensure that those seeking, prescribing and facilitating access to reproductive health medication are protected from legal and civil action.
  • Hadassah leaders and members to educate and mobilize their communities in support of continued access to reproductive health services and medication for all.

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Hadassah's Policy Statements represent the organization's official stance on a wide variety of issues facing our nation, Israel and other international matters of concern. Policy Statements are debated and voted on at national meetings by Hadassah’s national board and delegates from our membership. Once approved, statements become official policies of the organization and serve to define Hadassah's overall agenda and advocacy priorities. Hadassah, as a charitable organization classified under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, is prohibited from any direct or indirect support of, or opposition to, candidates for public office.