Feb

5 2023

Jewish Perspectives on Reproductive Health with Robert Ferrer

1:00PM - 2:00PM  

503 E John St
Champaign, IL 61820

Contact Yael Gertner
yael.gertner@gmail.com

Cosponsored by CUJF & Hillel

 

After the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, a Rabbi sued the State of Florida over a bill that would ban abortions after 15 weeks, arguing that it infringes on religious liberty.  Clergy from other religions followed suit.  How can laws regarding abortion violate religious freedom? 

We will explore this issue focusing on the theological perspectives informing women’s reproductive rights as depicted by several religiously grounded positions with an emphasis on Jewish views. What are the underlying principles informing the debate?  When does Life begin? When does the soul become fused with the body?  How do issues of reproductive rights and justice come into play?  How are the different denominational views informed by these questions?  We will rely mainly on Biblical and Talmudic sources.  Time permitting, we will see how different religious beliefs (Christian, Islamic, Hindu, and Buddhist) wrestle with these concepts.

Robert Ferrer is a well-informed lay person having researched these issues over the last few months.  He co-hosted a webinar in September 2022 with a colleague from the First Presbyterian Church of Champaign.  He will share his insights hoping to encourage debate among those willing to be respectful of all participants.

Sponsor: CUJF and Hillel