Fetal Defects – Halachic Questions

Seventh Session – Fetal Defects – Halachic Questions

 

Question posed by:       Representative from the Audience

Response by:                Rav Simcha Kook

                                    Chief Rabbi and Head of Beit Din, Rehovot

 

1.    What pathological fetal conditions justify or obligate the termination of pregnancy?

 

2.    What degree of fetal danger justifies termination of pregnancy? For example, does the danger posed to the fetus of an AIDS carrier justify termination of pregnancy?

 

3.    Does severe anxiety on the part of the mother indicate (halachically) the performance of a CVS or puncture of the amniotic fluid? (The chances of miscarriage following a CVS are 1:70; the chances of miscarriage following puncture of the amniotic fluid are between 1:200 to 1:300.)