NCJW works at all levels of government to shape public policy in support of women, children and families, and to ensure individual rights and freedoms for all. Priority issues include:

Women

1. Reproductive Rights - supports the right to choose and the right to a safe and legal abortion
2. International Family Planning - supports efforts to reduce maternal mortality and ensure childrenÂ’s health
3. Global Gag Rule - opposes measures that prevent free speech and impose harmful restrictions on medical services and information.
4. Violence Against Women - support of victims of domestic and sexual violence and the enforcement of laws against gender motivated violence

Individual Rights

1. Religion/State Separation - opposes school vouchers, “charitable choice,” school prayer and other threats to this principle
2. Hate Crimes - supports efforts to expand current hate crimes laws to include crimes based on sexual orientation, disability and gender

Families and Children

1. Child Care - supports a variety of child care measures including funding after-school programs, improving the training and pay of child care workers and increasing subsidies for parents
2. Health Care - supports expansion of services, including increased eligibility for the Child Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
3. Public Education - supports quality public education for all children, utilizing public funds for public schools only

Keep informed of current issues at the National level by visiting www.ncjw.org. For up-to-date information on BenchMark, NCJW’s Campaign to Save Roe, log onto www.benchmarkcampaign.org. While you’re there, sign up for BenchMark’s email list.