Torah Teaches Life Begins in the Womb

January 30, 2023 To the Members of the House Judiciary Committee Re: HB0152, Life is a Human Right Act

Dear Chairman Washut and Members of the House Judiciary Committee,

While I had difficulty testifying this morning by Zoom, I am writing to correct the record as to statements made by two individuals who spoke in opposition to the bill.

They claimed that Judaism teaches that life begins at birth. I have been Bar Mitzvahed and Confirmed in the Jewish faith and I teach Torah study at my synagogue. I am 70 years, and until just a few years ago, I have never heard anyone make this claim.  Are they saying that the moment before birth, what is in the womb is not a baby that is alive?  This defies reality.

In fact, Torah teaches life begins in the womb. God told Jeremiah, the prophet, he knew him before he was born. There are several verses in Torah that speak of children before birth. Judaism is the first Pro-Life religion.

There is now a concerted effort by some individuals and organizations to purposely misinterpreted the Torah for the purpose of claiming that Judaism is okay with killing the unborn because they believe life has not begun. This is not true. Within Jewish teachings, there is an exception for the life of the mother which is only necessary in extreme circumstances.

Here are statements from two Jewish organizations that provide the truth about Jewish believes:

https://coalitionforjewishvalues.org/2023/01/2000-rabbis-decry-lawsuit-claiming-abortion-to-be-a-jewish-value/

https://jewishprolifefoundation.org/obligation-to-choose-life

Finally, science is clear that, at conception, a unique human with separate DNA from the mother exists. Throughout the pregnancy ultra sounds show the baby living in the womb. No one has to be religious to know this.

If you need further clarification, please let me know. Thank you for your consideration of this important issue.

Sincerely,Ross Schriftman, Member Jewish Pro Life Foundation Casper, WY