On Abortion and the Hyde Amendment

Adopted by the CCAR at the 95th Annual Convention of
the Central Conference of American Rabbis
Grossingers, New York, June 18-21, 1984

Whereas the Central Conference of American Rabbis opposes amendments and legislation that would abridge or circumscribe this right; and

Whereas the so-called Hyde Amendment restricts the use of Medicaid funds for abortion; and other amendments have had a similar effect in other federal programs, so that a woman dependent on government health care cannot obtain a medically necessary abortion even if she is the victim of rape or incest or if her health is seriously jeopardized by continuation of the pregnancy; and

Whereas these restrictions have created greater health risks for poor women who have conscientiously chosen abortion but must delay the procedure while seeking private funds to pay for it; and

Whereas freedom of choice in the issue of abortion is directly related to the First Amendment's guarantee of religious freedom,

Therefore be it resolved that:

1. The Central Conference of American Rabbis call upon the Congress to defeat the Hyde Amendment this year; and

2. The Central Conference of American Rabbis support the Fazio-Green legislation which would eliminate such restrictions in the authorization for all federal governmental programs.

The following resolutions were referred to the Executive Board, and adopted by the Board on June 21, 1984: