Infertility & Jewish Law
Infertility and fertility treatments can be very stressful. For some Jewish couples and individuals, there is the added pressure of keeping within the strictures of Halakha (Jewish law). However, asking Halakhic questions (questions pertaining to Jewish law) will go a long way in mitigating the stressful nature of the fertility journey. It is critical that the person consulted is familiar with current developments in reproductive medicine and the details of the specific halakhic issues involved OR will readily consult with somebody who is. Without consulting an expert, people undergoing fertility treatments are often stricter than necessary in halakhic matters because they have nobody to ask or are too embarrassed.
Infertility and Jewish Law
Yesh Tikva’s “Infertility and Halakha” guide was established to provide support in obtaining halakhic guidance.
The guide includes the following parts:
- Jewish Law and the Infertility Journey: A General Guide
- Fertility Treatments and Jewish Law: A comprehensive Guide
- Patient Portal: Common infertility procedures and question you might consider asking an expert in Jewish law and infertility
Fertility Treatment and Halakah Cards- Questions that may arise during treatment, knowing about them in advance allows one to prepare for all possibilities and not feel ambushed. Please reach out to order a copy of these cards:
These Jewish Law & Infertility Resources were created by Dalia Shulman, Yoetzet Halacha in consultation with the following Rabbis & Physicians:
Rabbi Kenneth Auman, Rabbi Gedalyah Berger, Rabbi Baruch Simon, Rabbi Richard Weiss, MD, Anate Aelion Brauer, MD, MS, FACOG, Diana Chavkin, MD, FACOG, David Reichman, MD, FACOG and Ilana Ressler, MD, FACOG.
Dalia Shulman was trained as a Yoetzet Halacha at Nishmat’s Miriam Glaubach U.S. Yoatzot Fellows Program in Teaneck, NJ. She currently serves as a Yoetzet for five synagogues in Westchester County, NY.
