Abortion in Israel - Abortion Debate in Israel

Abortion Debate in Israel

The abortion debate in Israel exists, although it is marginalized by more publicized and controversial issues. The debate as to the morality of abortion is antecendental to the debate about separation of religion and state in the context of Israel as a Jewish and democratic country.

Liberal political parties such as Meretz and Shinui argue in favor of legalized abortion for reasons of personal liberty. Women's organizations such as Naamat and Shdulat HaNashim (women's lobby) argue in favor for feminist, pro-choice reasons, such as reproductive rights.

Jewish Orthodox organizations, including political parties, argue against abortion as opposed to the Halakhah and therefore not acceptable in a Jewish country. Political parties include Shas, a Sephardic Haredi party, United Torah Judaism, an Ashkenazi Haredi party, and the National Religious Party, a zionist Orthodox party. A study published in 2001 found that opposition to abortion among Israelis was correlated to strong religious beliefs — particularly Haredi beliefs — below-average income, larger family size, and identification with right-wing politics.

Efrat is a religious organization that lobbies against abortions, as well as offering financial support for women who are considering abortion for economic reasons. Efrat's campaign includes stickers with the slogan, "Don't abort me" (Hebrew: אל תפילו אותי).

Be'ad Chaim is a pro-life nonprofit association.

A third organization which provides financial support and counseling to women who consider undergoing an abortion is Just One Life (J.O.L.) - which in Hebrew is known as Nefesh Achat B'Yisrael.