Jewish women sue, claiming pro-life law violates their religious freedom

Three Jewish women are suing the state of Kentucky over its law protecting preborn children from abortion, claiming that the law violates their religious freedom.

The women say that according to Jewish law, life does not begin at conception, but only at birth, and therefore abortion is allowed. However, many Jews disagree with this interpretation of Jewish law and theologically defend the idea that abortion is murder.

Attorney Ben Potash, who is representing the plaintiffs, says that the Kentucky law is “using a very specific philosophical and religious understanding about what the moment of humanness is.”

“That is a very specific religious understanding from a very specific group of folks,” Potash said. “Simply put, it’s just not our belief, and we’re having that belief imposed upon us by the legislature.”

READ: Indiana pro-life law challenged on grounds that it violates religious freedom

“My freedom to practice my religion has been stolen. Kentucky’s abortion laws are cruel and they must be overturned,” said Lisa Sobel, one of the plaintiffs.

Despite this claim, the beginning of life is clearly defined by science — not religion. Life does begin at the moment of fertilization (sometimes referred to as conception) when sperm meets egg and a new human is created with his or her own unique DNA, distinct from that of his or her parents.

There is never a religious right to kill another human being.

The Pro-Life Reply to: "No One Knows When Life Begins"

The women also claim that the law will punish them for miscarrying or inhibit their ability to undergo in vitro fertilization, as it may be more difficult for women to undergo “selective reduction” during the IVF process. While there is no indication in the law that this could happen, as Live Action News has previously pointed out, “selective reduction” is a eugenic practice in which unwanted children are aborted. IVF as a whole views children as a commodity, to be created and destroyed at the whims of adults, rather than as unique individuals with their own inherent rights and dignity.

“My greatest fear is that I become pregnant, go to a scan and they say you’re baby’s incompatible with life and we can’t help you,” said Jessica Kalb, one of the plaintiffs. “That’s the reality right now in our state.”

Again, treatments for miscarriage and life-threatening situations like ectopic pregnancy are still legal in every state. But thanks to Kentucky’s law, all preborn children in the state are given the chance at life. Even if a child receives a life-limiting diagnosis in the womb, the law allows that child to be born and offered his or her parents’ love and comfort, care, and every medical chance at life instead of being brutally killed before birth.

Attorney General Daniel Cameron responded to the lawsuit in a statement. “Although we have not received the complaint, I am committed to defending Kentucky’s pro-life laws,” he said. “The General Assembly has made it clear that Kentucky will protect unborn life and these laws are an important part of the Commonwealth.”