Pro-Life and Pro-Choice

Question

Hi Rabbi,
My name is Rachel and I am Jewish but not too religious. Does Judaism believe in pro-life or pro-choice?
Thanks!

0

Answers

  1. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team

    Hi Rachel,
    The Jewish view on abortion cannot be fully explained in a brief reply in this forum. However, I will try to give provide some insights on this emotion filled issue of current events.

    Judaism is definitely pro-life. The Torah says, “Choose life.” Every life is precious and no one has the unilateral freedom to decide that an unborn fetus has no right to be born.

    The main reason for ever considering an abortion is to save the mother’s life. This could mean that the fetus is posing a possible mortal threat to her life. Or it could mean that the pregnancy and birth presents serious emotional distress to her to the point where her life is psychologically endangered. Many factors need to be considered and a qualified Orthodox Rabbi would need to make a ruling in consultation with the mother and her doctor.

    The Torah says “Do not murder” but does not say “Do not kill.” In Jewish Law self defense is not only permitted but is obligatory.

    Conceptually, Jewish law does not give us absolute discretion over our own bodies. One does not have the right to mutilate oneself while alive, nor may one readily donate body organs after death. Our bodies do not belong to us. They belong to God. As such, a woman would be limited in what she could do to her pregnant body as well.

    This is by no means the entire story, but I hope it helps.

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team