NCJW/Essex Event Breaks Down the Stigma of Abortion

Livingston, NJ, January 29, 2019 – Fighting for reproductive rights is usually no laughing matter, especially when it requires examining the growing number of infringements on access to healthcare, the ways sexuality education is limited, and the dangers involved in being an abortion provider.

But this year at the NCJW/Essex special Lunch and Learn, “Ending the Stigma of Abortion,” more than 200 attendees learned how the Lady Parts Justice League, a team of comedians, writers, and producers, use humor to break down barriers in their efforts to protect reproductive rights. The group, founded by Lizz Winstead, co-creator and head writer of The Daily Show, examined the stigma attached to abortion as too often people are uncomfortable talking about the subject (even saying the word!) and the challenges of obtaining care. This has made it tough to expose myths, raise awareness and turn the tide on the attacks on access to care.

“We talk about abortion in silence and secrecy and we are trying to change that,” said Winstead. “Abortion is safe and necessary and we shouldn’t feel shamed by it.” Winstead was joined for a panel discussion by Jen Moore Conrow, MFS, who serves as the Director of PEACE at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania where she oversees the Fellowship in Family Planning and the residency education program, training the next generation of abortion providers; and Solange Azor, a New York City-based comedian, writer and activist for reproductive justice.

This special event commemorated the 46th anniversary of the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that ensures a woman’s right to a safe and legal abortion. Attendees participated in a “call to action,” sending letters to New Jersey legislators in support of Bill A1861: Address Confidentiality Program for Reproductive Health Services Employees and Clients. This legislation would offer both staff and patients the option of confidentiality of their address, thus granting them safety and security for themselves and their families.

The following organizations were co-sponsors: ACLU-NJ, Catholics for Choice, Center for Reproductive Rights, Hadassah of Northern New Jersey, Jewish Women’s Foundation, Jewish Family Service of MetroWest New Jersey, League of Women Voters of New Jersey, National Advocates for Pregnant Women, National Institute for Reproductive Health, NCJW Bergen, NCJW West Morris, NCJW Union, Network for Responsible Public Policy, New Jersey Abortion Access Fund, New Jersey Citizen Action, New Jersey Policy Perspective, NJ Drug Policy Alliance, NJ Sierra Club, NOW NJ, Physicians for Reproductive Health, Planned Parenthood Action Fund of NJ, Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan NJ, Rachel Coalition, S.O.F.I.A.-Start Out Fresh Intervention Advocates, Stanton Strong, The Reproductive Justice Committee of the Unitarian Society of Ridgewood, The Women’s Centers, Unitarian Universalist Faith Action New Jersey.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

Photo 1: Pictured at the NCJW/Essex event, “Ending the Stigma of Abortion” were: (back row, l to r): Dayna Platnick and Sara Goetz, NCJW/Essex event co-chairs; Solange Azor, reproductive justice activist; and Sarah Hartshorne of Lady Parts Justice League; (front row, l to r): Moji Alawode-El of Lady Parts Justice League; Jen Moore Conrow, MFS, Director of PEACE at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania; Amber Gavin, Director of Programs for Lady Parts Justice League; and Lizz Winstead, founder of Lady Parts Justice League.

Photo 2: Panelists discuss breaking down barriers to protect reproductive rights at the NCJW/Essex Lunch and Learn commemorating the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision. Pictured, (l to r) are Jen Moore Conrow, MFS, Director of PEACE at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Solange Azor, reproductive justice activist and Lizz Winstead, founder of Lady Parts Justice League.

Photo 3: NCJW/Essex commemorated the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision at a special Lunch and Learn, Ending the Stigma of Abortion, featuring the Lady Parts Justice League. Pictured (l to r) are Dayna Platnick, co-chair of the event, Stephanie Abrahams, NCJW/Essex Director of Advocacy and Community Engagement, Sara Goetz, co-chair of the event, Elisa Madorsky, Vice President of Advocacy for NCJW/Essex, and Lesley Greenstein, NCJW/Essex President.

About National Council of Jewish Women, Essex County Section

The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. With more than 200 members, Essex county Section is the largest of the more than 100 NCJW Sections around the country. The Section was founded in 1912 and maintains offices in Livingston, NJ. For more information, log onto www.ncjwessex.org.