MIAMI (CBSMiami) The Jewish discussion on abortion does not center around pro-life or pro-choice. Instead, Judaism focuses on the mothers right to protect herself from harm.<\/p>\n
Within the faith, theres disagreement on what constitutes a threat to the mothers life during pregnancy.<\/p>\n
Until the 40th day after conception, they define the fetus as mere water, said Rabbi Rachel Greengrass of Temple Beth Am.<\/p>\n
She references the Talmud, a primary text for Jewish Law.<\/p>\n
The mitzvah of be fruitful and multiple only falls on the man, said Greengrass.<\/p>\n
Because you cant be required to do something that puts your life in danger.<\/p>\n
In my conversation with Rabbi Lyle Rothman at the University of Miami Hillel, he explained how Jewish faith leaders approach religious law text.<\/p>\n
The wonderful thing about the debate in the Talmud, is that there is debate in the Talmud, said Rothman.<\/p>\n
Its very easy to say this is a black and white issue.Were pro-choice or pro-life.Were not.<\/p>\n
Even on the most conservative spectrum, Judaism allows protection for the mother, especially in the first 40 days of pregnancy.<\/p>\n
Only in those severe, very serious mitigating circumstances, said Orthodox Rabbi Avrohom Brashevitzky, who leads the Chabad of Doral.<\/p>\n
He shares how Torah provides wisdom in this discussion.<\/p>\n
Very much for the sanctity of life, said Rabbi B.<\/p>\n
Rabbi B outlines God says the most sacred thing is to do everything to sustain life.<\/p>\n
But, the Torah calls for a mother to protect herself.<\/p>\n
According to Torah law, its no different than someone holding a gun to you, where you not only have the right to defend yourself but an obligation to defend yourself, Rabbi B added.<\/p>\n
Short of clear, imminent danger, what constitutes a threat to the mother varies.<\/p>\n
Another debate in Jewish law is what to do if the fetus has severe life-threatening abnormalities.<\/p>\n
Then there would be a consideration, perhaps, if its prior to the 40 days, said Rabbi B.<\/p>\n
Rabbi Greengrass shares a couples story at the Temple, choosing to end a pregnancy 12 weeks in.<\/p>\n
Embryo was carrying Tay-Sachs, mentioned Greengrass.<\/p>\n
If the child was born would have a short and painful existence and die at a very young age.<\/p>\n
Theres also rabbinic support even if the womans life is not at risk, including mental health.<\/p>\n
Its health care, which means both physical and mental, said Greengrass.<\/p>\n
The living has precedence over the potential.<\/p>\n
When it comes to Jewish text, theres one universal truth.<\/p>\n
To save a life is to the save the entire world, said Rothman.<\/p>\n
Rabbi B shared this with me.<\/p>\n
He said Jewish law does not give the green light for abortions but instead provides room for debate to protect life in the womb and the mothers health.<\/p>\n
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More:<\/p>\n
Rabbi: Jewish Law Provides Room For Debate To Protect Life In The Womb And The Mothers Health - CBS Miami<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" MIAMI (CBSMiami) The Jewish discussion on abortion does not center around pro-life or pro-choice. Instead, Judaism focuses on the mothers right to protect herself from harm Continue reading