Judaism's position on this very sensitive issue incorporates some ideas that will probably please just about everyone and other ideas that will likely displease each one of them. Unlike some other religions that completely ban abortion under any circumstances, Judaism has always allowed abortions — in fact even required abortions — to preserve a life. You already know that Judaism holds each and every life to be sacred. When the life of a woman is in jeopardy, it is clear that the pregnancy must be terminated.

However, when it comes to this controversial topic, there is no unanimity among the respective movements of Judaism beyond this clear maxim. The traditional point of view is that abortion is not permitted other than when the woman's life is in danger. But what about the woman's health? And what about when the risk to health becomes so serious that it could become life-threatening?

More liberal branches of Judaism will take the emotional health and well-being of the woman into account as well. However, as far as a woman's having the absolute right to abortion for any reason or no reason at all, it is not likely you will find an organized branch of Judaism to support this position.