PGD for determining the sex of a child
Is PGD halachically permissable to determine the sex of a child? I mean to ask if PGD is allowed so that we can chose the
Dear Rabbi Halperin,
I am a Chicagoan who has tested positive for the 6174 del T mutation of the BRCA2
gene. When I underwent a prophylactic hysterectomy last October, I found out that people in my area were woefully ignorant with regard to this deleterious gene and
its potential impact on its carriers health.
Having come from a family in which an aunt and an uncle on my dad's side died from cancer, and 2 other members have undergone treatment, I resolved that I would try to do something to help others who might be in my predicament without knowing it. To that end, I contacted Jewish organizations and expressed an interest in disseminating literature about genetic cancer.
It is my understanding that there are some thorny halachic issues pertaining to preventive treatment and BRCA gene carriers. My feeling is that if I am to disseminate literature on genetic cancer, it behooves me to be familiar with these issues. It is to that end that I hope that you will be able to help me out by filling me in on some of the vital questions involved in the simplest, most understandable terms possible. Thank you in advance for any insights that you might be able to provide.
Respectfully,
According to the rules of “Pikuach Nefesh”, a person is obligated to reduce risks, when possible.
For more information on the Halakic ramifications, see
מוטציות בגנים BRCA1 ו-BRCA2 גנטיקה של סרטן השד והשחלה
2011
מציאות ורפואה בסדר נשים – אסופת מאמרים (מהדורה שניה)
לוי-להד, אפרת
גל, מורן
360-370
Is PGD halachically permissable to determine the sex of a child? I mean to ask if PGD is allowed so that we can chose the
שלום רב! אני סטודנטית לעבודה סוציאלית. התבקשנו להכין עבודה בנושא ערכים ואתיקה בטיפול נפשי מצד המטפל ו/או מצד המטופל. ברצוני להתבסס על מקורות יהודיים. אשמח
Good morning I am a prospective medical student studying in South Africa. My course involves coming in contact with cadavers, which is a bit of
בס"ד שלום לרב. אני סטודנטית לסיעוד ואנו עוסקות כעת בחיבור עבודה בחוק ואתיקה ובחרנו בבעיה אתית שאינה פתורה כיום במוסד שערי צדק בו אנו לומדות.