How Halacha Defines Parenthood
How does halacha define parenthood? A recent calamity at a hospital in Israel where a fertilized egg was implanted into the incorrect woman points out the need to clarify the halachic parameters. Join Rabbi Dr. Stuart Fischman as he explores the halachic tradition and how it views such cases.
How Halacha Defines Parenthood: How Halacha Defines Parenthood
Hello Everyone,
In the midst of the was against Hamas an important though tragic case was decided (at least for the moment) in a court in Rishon l’Tzion.
In the IVF facility at the Asuta hospital the fertilized egg of one woman was implanted mistakenly in the uterus of a second woman. The mistake was discovered before the baby was born. After the baby was born the woman who gave birth to the baby said that she was willing to raise her as her daughter and that the genetic mother of the child was not known. Later the genetic mother of the girl was discovered and a legal battle developed between these two unfortunate women. In December 2024 the court in Rishon l’Tzion ruled in favor of the genetic mother and she was given the baby.
This case offers us an opportunity to see how various Halachic authorities have ruled on questions arising in the field of reproductive medicine. We have three sessions to devote to this fascinating subject and I hope that we will all benefit from the discussion.
How Halacha Defines Parenthood: How Halacha Defines Parenthood
Hello Everyone,
Last week I introduced the subject of defining parenthood in the Halacha by discussing the recent case in Israel; the Asuta hospital mishap.
Today we will discuss the the competing theories regarding the use of a sperm donor by a woman whose husband is sterile. I hope that by the end of today’s session we will understand how Halachic authorities resolve issues which involve scientific advances., such as IVF.
How Halacha Defines Parenthood: How Halacha Defines Parenthood
Hello Everyone,
Today is our final session on the subject of how the Halacha determines parenthood. In our first session we discussed the case of Asutah Hospital, where the fertilized egg of one couple was mistakenly implanted in the uterus of a different woman. This case was what gave me the idea to discuss how the Halacha determines parenthood. Last week we discussed the relatively simple question of how the Halacha determines paternity. Today we will see how the Poskim determine maternity which is a much more difficult question to answer.
Rabbi Dr. Stuart Fischman graduated from Yeshiva University in 1980 and the dental school of Columbia University in 1985. In 1989 he began studying and teaching at Yeshivat Hamivtar and now studies and teaches at Yeshivat Machanaim in Efrat. He has rabbinic ordination from Rav Zalman Nechemia Goldberg.