As I continue to explore the intricate connections between politics, social issues, and religious identities, I have come to understand how these forces shape and influence each other. Furthermore, I recognize how these crucial factors shape how American society functions. When I began my research, I did not consider the societal impacts of these issues. It is easy to view legislation and the rulings, but interacting with the human components of the cases and legal action deepens one’s understanding of the American identity.
My research so far has focused on examining the political discourse surrounding abortion within Catholic, Jewish, and Indigenous faiths. Each group offers a distinct perspective, shedding light on different nuances of this complex issue.
Catholic identity in the United States is worth considering when surveying a Christian ideology on abortion. Protestant groups each have a subset of beliefs, but the authority established by the Catholic Church lends itself to one direct teaching on abortion. For Catholics, this is the Catechism. The Catechism of the Catholic Church directly bans abortion and infanticide of any kind, stating, “Since the first century, the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable. Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law.” This belief ought to be contrasted with the actual opinion of American Catholics. According to Pew Research, around 59% of Catholics believe that abortion should be legal. The duality of the Catholic faith demonstrates a direct example of why an analysis of religious opinions on abortion is vital.
Another example of a religious and social tug of war is within the Jewish faith. My research is divided into a study of the more traditional Orthodox Jewish faith and the progressive Reform movement. These two sects of Judaism exist using the exact text and even rely on some of the same Rabbinic interpretations, yet they differ significantly. Orthodox Jews are critical of “abortion on demand” and argue that even some of the most restrictive abortion laws do not violate their religious freedoms. On the contrary, Reform groups have led the charge in political activism after the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health decision in 2022. Reform Jews have spearheaded lawsuits against local and state governments to protect abortion and have worked to ensure full bodily autonomy for all individuals.
My ongoing research continues to reveal the complexity of how religious beliefs influence political discourse, especially regarding sensitive issues like abortion. By examining the nuanced views within Catholicism, Judaism, and other faiths, I am gaining a deeper understanding of the intersection between faith, politics, and social issues.
Author: Mia Clevano