Tay Sachs: The Abortion Controversy
abortion controversy Although Tay-Sachs prevention programs have been widely acclaimed, there are dissenting voices. Amniocentesis leading to abortion is not fully embraced in the community as...
...Because the actual number of TS cases is small, the battle over Tay-Sachs abortion is a limited conflict...
...Despite this advice, in many homes Jewish law is equivalent to conscience...
...So, even while many consciences are not so troubled, no easy resolution to the moral dilemma appears imminent...
...Some Orthodox authorities have urged early counseling so that marriages between two TS carriers would be avoided...
...There are cases of couples known to be "at risk" who refuse either the amniotic test or the option of abortion if the test results reveal a TS fetus...
...Chief Rabbi I. Jakobovits of Britain, and Rabbi Eliezer Waldenberg of Jerusalem support abortion in Tay-Sachs cases on the grounds that serious emotional harm to the mother is a realistic possibility...
...The Editors...
...Fred Rosner cites the 1973 statement of the Association of Orthodox Scientists: "The Association is unalterably opposed to amniocentesis, whose logical and natural consequence is abortion...
...Siegel, however, feels, even though "abortion and amniocentesis make the marriage possible" it is finally up to each individual to be informed and to "act according to conscience...
...Rosner is quick to point out, however, that there is authoritative Orthodox opinion on the other side...
...Very much opposed to Tay-Sachs prevention programs, Bleich is "extremely concerned, because they lead to abortions and sterile marriages...
...Both sides employ Talmudic adages and halachic interpretations regarding quality of life and definitions of murder...
...I've seen Tay-Sachs...
...Nonetheless, there is continuing disagreement...
...Rabbi Seymour Siegel of the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York believes, "In the vast majority of cases abortion would be called for...
...Rabbi J. David Bleich, Yeshiva University Professor of Talmud and specialist in medical ethics, stresses that any abortion based on the condition of the fetus, rather than the health of the mother, is not acceptable under Jewish law...
...Rabbi Bleich is not alone in this opinion...
...Amniocentesis leading to abortion is not fully embraced in the community as satisfactory disease prevention...
...The anguish and terror that it causes in the parents warrant abortion...
...Siegel emphasizes that his position is in line with Waldenberg's...
Vol. 3 • December 1977 • No. 2
