Temple Emanuel of Andover to Host Events of Reproductive Rights

Temple Emanuel of Andover will kick off Women’s History Month with a panel discussion on reproductive rights which will explore the legal, medical and social landscape for reproductive rights in the wake of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision and will address opportunities for advocacy at the national and local level. In addition, as a prelude to the panel discussion, the Temple will show the film "Preconceived" a raw and insightful film that looks into the rise of the enigmatic crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs) pervading America. Both programs will be held in-person at Temple Emanuel, 7 Haggetts Pond Road, Andover, MA 01810 and are free and open to the public but require registration.

The movie Preconceived will be shown on Monday, February 24, from 7:00 – 9:00 pm. The filmmakers will introduce the film and answer questions at the end of this riveting documentary exploring the complex role of deception, finances, faith, and privacy amid a shifting legal landscape. To register to attend the film screening, click here.

The panel discussion on Reproductive Rights will be held on Sunday, March 2nd from 3:00 – 5:00 pm and will be available on Zoom. Light refreshments will be served. The program is free to the public, however registration is required, click here for details.

The panel will be moderated by Judy Eskin, longtime Co-leader of Greater Andover Indivisible, part of the Mass. Indivisible Coalition and member of the Temple Emanuel Social Responsibility Committee, sponsors of the event. Panelists will include:

• Carrie N. Baker, J.D., Ph.D., Bauman Professor of American Studies and Chair of the Program for the Study of Women, Gender and Sexuality at Smith College. Her research and teaching focus on gender, law, public policy, and feminist social movements. Baker has written five books, including her recent open access book, Abortion Pills: U.S. History and Politics (Amherst College Press) which will be available for purchase.
• Andrea B. Polonsky, MD, FACOG, an Andover-based obstetrician/gynecologist, and graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Medical School who recently earned an Integrative Medicine fellowship through the Academy of Integrative Health & Medicine. Her practice, with 4 offices in the Merrimack Valley, focuses on Women’s Integrative Health Care. Her clinical interests include menopausal health, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and management of abnormal menses.
• Jenifer McKenna is Senior Advisor at Reproductive Health & Freedom Watch, investigating and exposing disinformation and regressive policy on reproductive and maternal health. She co-founded and was Managing Director of California Women's Law Center and served as coordinator of The Alliance: State Advocates for Women’s Rights & Gender Equality, a
• Abigail Fisher graduated from Swarthmore College with a BA in biology and a minor in religion and subsequently earned a PhD in cell biology from MIT and a master’s degree in Jewish studies from Hebrew College. She is currently the lay co-chair of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC-MA) and serves on the North American Board of the Union of Reform Judaism (URJ) and the New England Regional Council of the New Israel Fund.

collaboration dedicated to advancing reproductive and gender justice. Jenifer led the first multi-state investigation into crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs) and co-authored Designed to Deceive: A Study of the Crisis Pregnancy Center Industry in Nine States.

“Reproductive Freedom is a deeply rooted Jewish value, and we are proud of our Social Responsibility Committee for addressing this important issue by bringing these wonderful programs to our congregants and our greater community,” said Temple Emanuel Cantor Rachel Reef-Simpson. “In addition to the film screening and panel discussion, we are also proud to host a Reproductive Rights Shabbat on Friday, February 21st which will focus on Judaism’s approach to reproductive health, rights, and justice.” Reproductive Rights Shabbat was founded by the National Council of Jewish Women and sponsored by the Religious Action Center (RAC) of Reform Judaism among other organizations.

Founded more than one hundred years ago, Temple Emanuel serves members throughout the Merrimack Valley, Southern New Hampshire and beyond as a spiritual home, a supportive family and a diverse and inclusive Jewish community that welcomes all who wish to celebrate Jewish life. For additional information, email info@templeemanuel.net or contact the Temple office at 978.470.1356. Temple Emanuel is located at 7 Haggetts Pond Road, Andover, MA. For more information, visit www.templeemanuel.net.