Decisions of Fate - Lesson 3

Does Judaism consider a fetus a living being? Under what conditions might Jewish law sanction an abortion?

This lesson discusses the Jewish belief that a fetus possesses a soul, and analyzes the disagreement between authorities of Jewish law as to whether the soul’s presence imbues a fetus with a status similar to an already-born human. There is consensus among all authorities that an abortion is considered a grave measure, and under typical circumstances it is a strictly prohibited act. On the other hand, when a mother’s life is endangered by her fetus, abortion can even become an absolute halachic obligation. The lesson discusses halachic views that permit abortion in additional extreme circumstances.

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