Abortion: A Jewish Perspective on a Passionate Issue

American Thinker.com ^ | May 12, 2022 | Rabbi Michael Barclay

[Kaslin]

With a subject like abortion, where people are easily controlled by their passions, it becomes easy to base our opinions on what we “feel” as opposed to logical thinking about the issue. Thousands of years ago, Jewish Sages were dealing with the same issue of when/if/how abortion should be permitted or forbidden. With the national chaos regarding a potential reversal of Roe v. Wade, this ancient wisdom and unique understanding is more valuable than ever.

The ancient Sages were supported by their communities, and so were able to devote great thought about many important issues, including abortion. To understand their conclusions, the entire argument must be followed.

In Judaism, there is a huge importance placed on pro-creation, based on the blessing found in Genesis 1:28 that we “should be fruitful and multiply” that is repeated to Jacob (Gen 35:11). But we also believe that sexuality is not only for pro-creation, but for pleasure based upon the words of Exodus 21:10, “a man must not diminish his wife’s duty of marriage”. It is accepted as far back as 2000 years ago that the obligation to pro-create is upon the man (the commandment is given to men), and not to women.

“The man is required to be fruitful and multiple, but not the woman.” (Mishna Yevamot 6:6). This is a recognition of a woman’s rights, and a man’s responsibility. It is her body, and she should not be forced to make a decision between having children or being celibate. In Judaism, while there is a commandment for pro-creation, there is also a commandment for pleasure, and so no argument can be devised against or for abortion based on human sexuality being used only for the purpose of creation (this is different than many other faiths).

[joma89]

Let me guess, this article is 5000+ jumbled words that argues the Talmud says it is ok...sometimes...to murder children.

Am I right?

[Guenevere]

You are spot on!

[Telepathic Intruder]

"One of these secrets is “ensoulment”: at what point does the soul enter the body?"

It is something that science can't tell us. When brain activity begins? But since there is no way to know for certain, my position is this: considering the level of importance, why take the chance? Assuming life begins at conception involves no risk. Assuming it begins later does.

[Houserino]

Judaism considers the unborn a ‘part of the mother’ until birth, so it can be done with as pleased.

That’s just how it is.

[Ann Archy]

DEMONIC to MURDER YOUR CHILDREN.....DEMONIC!

[CatHerd]

No, it says that it is only permitted to save the life of the mother.

Even the Catholic Church makes such an exception, for example, ectopic pregnancy. In such a case, the fertilized egg cannot survive outside the uterus but can cause severe internal bleeding resulting in death. Both lives cannot be saved, so the correct moral choice is to save the life that can be spared, that of the mother.

[CatHerd]

You obviously did not read the entire article. Yes, I know, FR tradition. ;)

[Ann Archy]

What if a woman cuts off her LEG, or her ARM, or any other part of her body?? She would be taken to a MENTAL INSTITUTION!!

[CatHerd]

While it does say the unborn child is considered a “limb of the mother” it also says it may not be harmed unless the life of the mother is endangered, in the same way a limb should not be amputated unless it is required to save the person’s life.

[Houserino]

I’m just talking about Talmud interpretation. Take it up with the rabbis, not me.

[CatHerd]

See my #10 or read the entire article.

[Ann Archy]

Thanks, Newbie!!

[Houserino]

I know many orthodox Jews, and the ‘limb of the mother’ believe outweighs their life parts. That’s just on the Jews I know.

[CatHerd]

Then what the article says and your interpretation of your friends’ views differs. Perhaps you should show your friends this article and ask for their thoughts?

[Houserino]

They pretty much follow this link:

https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/abortion-in-jewish-thought/

Trying to fight them on it is as useless as getting them to convert to Moshiach Yeshua.

[CatHerd]

It sound like they, at the Orthodox ones, put their own interpretation on the one outlined in that link — to suit themselves. Sad.

[AZJeep]

If you read the article, it basically spells the same line as the traditional Christianity.
The abortion is murder unless the mother’s life is in danger.

With the current medical advances, this decision is getting a lot less common, as we can now save the life of the mother and the baby in most cases.

[jjotto]

He’s a fake Conservative Movement ‘rabbi’ who doesn’t feel at all bound by traditional Jewish rulings on such matters. He’s a nobody.

The indisputable leaders of Torah-true Judaism have a different take:

https://jewishprolifefoundation.org/rabbis-for-life

[fidelis]

Even the Catholic Church makes such an exception, for example, ectopic pregnancy. In such a case, the fertilized egg cannot survive outside the uterus but can cause severe internal bleeding resulting in death. Both lives cannot be saved, so the correct moral choice is to save the life that can be spared, that of the mother.

This is essentially correct, although the subtle moral distinction in Catholic teaching involves intent. The procedure cannot be for the intent of killing the child, but to save the mother. This is known as the Principle of Double Effect:

Abortion, The Mother’s Life, And The Principle of Double Effect