How to Change the Way We Think About Abortion, with Erica Pelman
Dec 5, 2024
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In this conversation, Erica Pelman, founder and director of SHIFRA, shares her transition from the Department of Labor to supporting Jewish women facing unplanned pregnancies. She encourages a fresh perspective on the abortion debate, emphasizing compassionate dialogue over divisive labels. Pelman discusses the importance of understanding women's diverse experiences and the need for community care in pregnancy crises. She advocates for a shift in attitudes within the Jewish community, focusing on support rather than politics, to foster a more nuanced conversation.
Erica Pelman advocates for a compassionate understanding of abortion that transcends divisive labels, fostering empathy for women facing unplanned pregnancies.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of community support and resources for women, highlighting a holistic approach beyond merely discussing abortion access.
Deep dives
Historical Perspectives on Abortion Politics
The podcast examines the historical evolution of the abortion debate in America, highlighting its shifting political ramifications since the Roe v. Wade ruling in 1973. Initially, abortion wasn't a highly contentious political issue, with a significant number of both Republicans and Democrats supporting the right to choose. Notable figures, such as Joe Biden and Betty Ford, expressed contrasting opinions at that time, showcasing a different political landscape. Over the decades, however, the issue has polarized into a pivotal aspect of political identity, with narratives diverging dramatically between pro-life and pro-choice advocates.
Competing Narratives and the Challenge of Dialogue
The discussion points out how conflicting narratives around abortion complicate the possibility of constructive dialogue. Those who identify as pro-choice often see the anti-abortion movement as a manipulative campaign, while pro-life advocates perceive abortion rights supporters as promoting a dangerous agenda. Furthermore, statistical disparities in funding between both sides reveal the financial landscape influencing political positions on abortion. In a society where emotions run high, this polarization leaves little room for civil conversation, making it challenging to reach a consensus on the matter.
Jewish Perspectives on Abortion
The podcast provides insight into the nuanced Jewish approach to abortion, stressing its complexity and ethical considerations. Jewish law recognizes the importance of the mother's well-being, allowing for abortions under certain circumstances, though opinions can differ based on specific situations. It emphasizes the value of understanding the human aspect of the debate rather than adhering strictly to political binaries like pro-life or pro-choice. This appreciation for complexity encourages deeper discussions and greater empathy towards individuals facing tough choices around pregnancy.
Creating Supportive Communities for Pregnant Women
The conversation features Erica Pelman, who highlights the importance of community and support for women experiencing unplanned pregnancies. Through her organization, Shifra, Pelman advocates for providing resources and emotional support, facilitating a holistic approach to pregnancy-related challenges. The organization aims to empower women by connecting them with counseling services and financial assistance, thereby enabling them to feel supported in their choices. Rather than simply focusing on abortion access, the discussion emphasizes investing in community resources to offer a viable alternative for women considering their options.
There are few political issues we consider more contentious than abortions. But what if we are getting this critical subject all wrong? Erica Pelman, the founder and director of SHIFRA, a group that helps Jewish women dealing with unplanned pregnancies, tells Liel about her journey from a high-powered job at the Department of Labor to starting her own organization, about the importance of listening to expecting mothers in distress, and about how we should rethink pretty much everything we think we know about abortion and have a more soulful and helpful debate that transcends those deeply flawed labels, “pro-choice” and “pro-life.”
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