Israeli women’s rights groups criticized the Health Ministry for distributing booklets with ultrasound pictures of human embryos to women requesting abortions. The Israeli daily Ha’aretz reported that women appearing before ministry committees to seek approval for an abortion were given the booklets, which include the statement, “Surely you must be interested in the stage of development of the embryo in your womb.” Deputy Health Minister Shlomo Benizri, a member of the fervently Orthodox Shas Party, defended the practice. A number of hospitals said they would not distribute the booklet.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
