Jewish beliefs

• ORTHODOX JEWS

  • Tend to be against abortion
  • Life = God’s greatest gift, should be preserved (all costs)
  • God = creator, only he should take life
  • Destroying life = terrible crime
• REFORM JEWS

  • May be permitted in some situations - mother’s life at threat, rape, incest
  • Mother’s life = more important than foetus, so if endangered, they’d insist on abortion, save life
• Not forbidden, but only permitted for serious reasons.
• Every case should be considered carefully - decision should be made after speaking to a Rabbi.
• Foetus isn’t considered a person in Jewish law til born.
• PIKUACH NEFESH - principle allowing life of mother be taken priority and be saved.
• Mishnah (important collection Hewish writings) says, abortion can only take place when foetus is inside womb - once born, becomes a pearson in its own rights (right to life)
• Attitudes to abortion differ.