[jobedo]

Actually Orthodoxy believes that if the mothers health is at risk and the pregnancy will kill her that an abortion is allowed. The Orthodox's abortion rates are very low. The Conservative and Reform Jews are shrinking due to low birth rates while Orthodoxy is the only group growing from birth rates,

[MarkL]

Actually Orthodoxy believes that if the mothers health is at risk and the pregnancy will kill her that an abortion is allowed. The Orthodox's abortion rates are very low. The Conservative and Reform Jews are shrinking due to low birth rates while Orthodoxy is the only group growing from birth rates,

In fact, Orthodox Judism REQUIRES that you do nothing that would harm yourself in following "the rules." For instance, if you're on medication that is required for your health, like blood pressure medicine, then you're required to take it properly, even on a fast day. And the Orthodox prohibition of driving is waved in case of an emergency. Depending on the situation, "bending of the rules" can be allowed as well. My Grandfather walked to the synagogue for Sabbath services every Friday night and twice Saturday, until he was in his mid 80's. When his health began to fail, the Rabbi said it would be OK for him to ride to services.

Mark