Jewish beliefs

• ORTHODOX:

  • Life = God's greatest gift
  • Only God should take a life
  • Life should be preserved
  • Destroying a life = terrible crime
• REFORM:

  • Permitted sometimes (e.g. mother = in danger, incest, rape)
  • Mothers life = more important
• • Only for serious reasons
• • Every case should be considered carefully (should first speak to Rabbi)
• • Foetus isn't a person until it's born
• Principle of "Pikuach Nefesh" = Prioritises mother's life
• • Mishnah - abortion can only take place when foetus is in the mothers womb
• • Attitudes differ