Efrat (organization)

Efrat is the largest non-profit organization in Israel dedicated to preventing abortions by Jewish women. Efrat provides emotional, financial, and vocational assistance to pregnant Jewish women who feel pressured to terminate their pregnancy. Efrat supports abortions to save the pregnant woman's life or in cases of severe fetal disability. Until 2021, it was led by Dr. Eli J. Schussheim. The organization operates primarily through volunteer support, providing food, clothing, shelter, and financial assistance to women considering abortion due to financial difficulties. Efrat has faced criticism from various quarters. Critics argue that the organization's approach can sometimes pressure women into continuing pregnancies against their wishes, potentially leading to hardship for both mother and child. In 2012, Efrat was embroiled in controversy following an incident involving a pregnant teenager and her boyfriend, which resulted in an attempted suicide. Although Efrat denied involvement, the event sparked a backlash and calls for stricter regulation of its activities. Efrat maintains that it does not oppose abortion outright and focuses on ensuring women can make informed and autonomous decisions.