NCJW AND THRIVE NJ HOST PROGRAM ON IMPORTANCE OF ABORTION CARE FOR ALL

On Thursday, November 16th National Council of Jewish Women Bergen County Section, in collaboration with the THRIVE NJ Coalition, will host “The Power of Intersectionality.” Both organizations are reaching out to like-minded individuals, community groups, agencies and congregations to build a movement to secure abortion access for all.

The 90-minute program will be held in Teaneck beginning at 12:30 p.m. The exact location will be disclosed after registering. To register, please visit www.ncjwbcs.org. Registration is free, made possible by a grant from a funding collaborative among Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, South Jersey Community Foundation, and The Women’s Centers.

“The right to abortion is guaranteed in NJ,” says Roxanne Sutocky, Director of Public Affairs for Cherry Hill Women’s Center and THRIVE NJ organizer. “However, equitable access to services for all is not. We believe it can be if we work together.”

Alejandra Sorto, campaign strategist for the ACLU of NJ, is the keynote speaker. She will address what protections must still be secured to guarantee that abortion care is not just legal, but accessible and affordable for everyone in NJ. “While abortion remains legal in NJ, we must take immediate steps to remove barriers that make this right inaccessible for many people in our state, especially communities of color, immigrants, LGBTQ+ communities, and people who are low-income; and enact policies that protect and support those providing abortion and other reproductive healthcare,” added Sorto. 

Clinic escorts will also be honored at the event. “We wanted to acknowledge this group of volunteers for their extraordinary commitment to ensuring patients have access to reproductive healthcare,” says Bari-Lynn Schwartz, Reproductive Justice chair for NCJW BCS. “They do so in the face of increasingly hostile protestors outside Bergen County’s two clinics. Their dedication is inspiring.”

“This program is an opportunity to demonstrate that despite debilitating and almost daily news reports of more state bans, something impactful can still be done here in NJ,” notes Gina Plotino, Vice President of Advocacy for NCJW BCS.

About the Organizations

National Council of Jewish Women Bergen County Section (NCJW BCS) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who have turned progressive ideals into action by improving the quality of life for women, children and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedom. NCJW BCS is celebrating its Centennial in 2023. It provides educational and stimulating programs and speakers throughout the year, including six general meetings and a myriad of study groups, book groups, trips and advocacy activities. For more information on NCJW BCS and its upcoming programs, please visit http://www.ncjwbcs.org or call 201-385-4847. 

THRIVE NJ is a coalition of organizations who leverage their collective voices and resources to expand access to reproductive and sexual health care in New Jersey, especially for communities that have been historically marginalized. Member organizations reflect a wide scope of NJ populations and issues and include medical providers, legal experts, policy experts, faith-based organizations, immigrant rights groups, and other community organizations from around the state. Thrive NJ supports the Abortion Justice framework.