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Abortion


Question:

What is the Jewish stance on abortion?



AskTheRabbi.org answered:

In general, it is forbidden to abort a fetus and it is tantamount to murder, but not exactly the same. However the subject is not simple and there are many details that need to be examined. Below are some laws about this issue. Abortion is allowed only if the fetus is endangering the life of the mother. Danger to the mother’s mental health, like a nervous breakdown, and very serious depression are considered as dangers to life that could justify abortion. Abortion is not allowed if the fetus is a product of rape. According to some authorities in Jewish Law if the fetus will be born with a disease, such as Tay-Sachs, and will suffer terribly and also die soon after birth, then it may be aborted during the first 40 days of the pregnancy. A woman who aborted a fetus against the law, would not be held criminally liable even if she was fully conscious or warned beforehand.


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