Rebecca Zecharia 10M – Mrs Baines

Judaism – Abortion and medical technology

How does Judaism view abortion?

There are many different views on abortion and rabbis have given their opinions over the centuries. The Bible asserts that G-d created all things, but the issue of abortion depends on when life begins in the womb.

Read Exodus 21 verses 22 – 23. What does this passage tell us about the mother’s life and the unborn child’s rights?

The passage states that when a mother has a miscarriage due to someone fighting then the offender has to pay a fine, but if the woman is injured then it’s life for life. The mother’s life is valuable as the Jewish tradition passes through her.

Judaism has very few legal bars to abortion; however, there are moral issues to be discussed  

  • Abortion can never be a substitute for birth control.
  • Abortion is appropriate when the pregnancy would harm the mother’s mental or physical health.
  • The mother should be the primary person to decide if pregnancy should continue,
  • The foetus is well developed at 15 to 17 weeks and its rights are stronger.
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The mother is considered important in questions of abortion, why?

The mother is important as the Jewish tradition passes through her and her children won’t be Jewish if she isn’t as well.

What is the Jewish view on artificial insemination?

Artificial insemination is allowed as long as the donor is the husband. If the donor is anyone else then it is considered the same as adultery.

What is the Jewish teaching regarding transplants and medical experiments?

Organ transplants are allowed as long as the probability of the patient’s life is much greater than the ...

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