On Tuesday, May 17, Hadassah CEO Naomi Adler delivered a powerful and impassioned speech in support of reproductive rights at the Jewish Rally for Abortion Justice in Washington, D.C., organized by the National Council of Jewish Women. Hadassah was a presenting sponsor of the rally, which drew some 2,000 activists from nearly 150 organizations, including a vocal Hadassah presence.
"We're so grateful to have so many friends and partners to stand with, to stand together. B'yachad. And that includes the legislators who are here today and who have worked with us to advance women's health," she said. "We must — and we will — persist."
Naomi highlighted Hadassah's commitment to being pro-choice, pro-women and pro-Israel. She also highlighted Hadassah's ongoing work to fight for reproductive freedom, including grassroots advocacy, rallying across the country, and our Amicus Brief Program. Watch Naomi's full remarks below.
Hadassah members from across the country joined together to send a clear message to Washington: women must have the right to make decisions about their own health based on medical guidance and their own values.
Naomi quoted Hadassah member Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a champion for women's rights, who said: "The decision whether or not to bear a child is central to a woman's life, to her well-being and dignity. It is a decision she must make for herself. When government controls that decision for her, she is being treated as less than a fully adult human responsible for her own choices."
Hadassah has and always will unequivocally stand for women's reproductive rights and for empowering women with the knowledge to make critical health decisions for themselves and their families.
Find out more about how you can take action on our Hadassah for Choice webpage.