Commonwealth Policy Center
Three Jewish women are challenging Kentucky’s abortion ban in the Jefferson County Circuit Court. They claim that legal protections for the unborn violates their Jewish belief that life begins at birth, not conception. The beginning of human life isn’t a sectarian religious claim; it’s based in science. Interestingly, the Old Testament—the foundation of the Jewish faith—makes clear that God is the author of life and acknowledges life before birth. Psalm 139 says that God is the author of life and knew us while he formed us in our mother’s womb. Many pro-life Jews affirm this, which undermines contrary religious claims. Also, it’s important to note that the right to life supersedes any supposed ‘religious freedom’ claim against it. As an attorney for the state said before the court, “The commonwealth’s interest in preserving life encompasses fostering respect for the sanctity of human life….”