A question for those with religious knowledge...

[Violet_Crumble]

Someone in GD was asking something along the same lines and no-one had answered them, so I thought I'd trot in here and ask out of atheistic curiousity. It's one of those sort of questions where I know for sure the answer when it comes to Christianity and Islam, but I'm not entirely sure about Judaism. Is Judaism like the other two religions that are across the board totally opposed to abortion, or does it have a less black and white stance on the issue? Back in my days of getting into it with anti-choicers in the Yahoo groups I have a recollection of someone saying that the whole biblical 'moment of conception' line isn't one that Judaism embraces, so is that right?

Violet...

[Behind the Aegis]

1. To my knowledge...

The Orthodox may not be big fans of it, however, from a recent post, they had this to say (about embryonic stem cell research): The "potential to save and heal human lives is an integral part of valuing human life," it said. "Moreover, the traditional Jewish perspective does not accord an embryo outside of the womb the full status of humanhood and its attendant protections." Traditionally, they (Orthodox) are not pro-choice, but I have known some, personally, that were and said it was based in Talmudic teachings. The other two branches, Conservative and Reform, are usually pro-choice, especially, if the life of the mother is in question. However, to be honest, I do not know which passages they use to justify this.

[tishaLA]

2. An Orthodox friend of mine

is one of the most intelligent people I have heard on the question of Judaism and abortion. She says that Judaic law is strongly in favor of reproductive freedoms for the reasons you mention above--that the fetus is not considered "life" because it is not endowed with humanity. This is not the only position, obviously, as you will encounter Orthodox Jews who believe in the "sanctity of life" in whatever state.

[Behind the Aegis]

3. Then there is the old joke....

They are not "viable" until they have graduated medical school. :)

[Darranar]

4. According to the Torah abortion is not murder...

The penalty for striking a pregnant woman and killing the fetus is less severe than that of murdering somebody.

Biblically, therefore, life does not begin at conception.

[Violet_Crumble]

5. Thanks for the replies...

n/t