AIDS – Halachic Questions

Third Session – AIDS – Halachic Questions

           

Question posed by:       Representative from the Audience

Response by:                Rabbi Yehoshua Neuwirth,

                                    Author of Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchatah

 

1.    An AIDS carrier refuses to inform his spouse of his situation. Is the doctor permitted – or obligated – to divulge the information to the spouse of the carrier?

 

2.    Is the spouse of an AIDS carrier entitled to demand the dissolution of the marriage and a get (religious divorce)?

       Is he/she permitted to remain married and continue marital relations despite the illness?

       If the spouse wishes to remain married to the AIDS carrier, is the male permitted – or obligated – to use a condom?

 

3.    Under which circumstances may one compel an individual to be tested for HIV? When do the rights and responsibility of the community supercede those of the individual?