On Tuesday, August 2, there will be a vote on the Kansas ballot about amending the Kansas Constitution.
Anyone who is a registered voter in Kansas can vote on this proposal. Normally, in a primary election, you have to vote either a Democratic slate or the Republican slate. That is true in this election too; however, for the amendment question, anyone — even if you are an Independent — can vote.
From a Jewish point of view this is a very important vote. A “yes” vote would make it extremely difficult for someone to obtain an abortion in the state of Kansas regardless of the medical need or necessity of such a procedure. This is especially true since the Roe v. Wade decision that the Supreme Court delivered in June eliminates the national protection for abortion.
A “yes” vote would actually put the prohibition of abortion into the Kansas Constitution and make it very difficult for individuals seeking such medical help. A “no” vote would not guarantee the right to abortion, but it would make it very difficult for opponents to make abortion illegal in Kansas.
Jewish law has a whole variety of views on the topic of abortion. Abortion “on demand,” such as “I do not feel like having this child,” is definitely against Jewish law, though it is not considered murder. However, an abortion after rape, incest or with serious medical issues to the mother and/or fetus is permitted according to most Jewish halachic or legal authorities. There are also medical circumstances when abortion is mandated or demanded in Jewish law, such as when the mother’s life is in danger.
I can unequivocally state that from a Jewish legal point of view, it is absolutely necessary for anyone who is a voter in the state of Kansas to vote “no” on the amendment dealing with abortion rights.
Rabbi Herbert J. Mandl, Ph.D. is Rabbi Emeritus of Kehilath Israel Synagogue.
