The Role of Theology in Contemporary Jewish Ethical Decision-Making: The Case of Artificial Insemination

Abstract

Among the stunning achievements of modern medicine have been the advances in reproductive technology. As a result of these advances, new ethical questions have been raised. Rabbi Eliezer Waldenberg, an ultra-orthodox legal decisor, responded to the challenge of difficult moral dilemmas by developing a Jewish response. He argued forcefully against the use of artificial insemination using a donor's semen (AID) and was even hesitant about permitting it using the husband's sperm (AIH). His opposition is based on a combination of kabbalistic, bio-conservative, and epistemological grounds and demonstrates the dominant role that theology plays in Jewish ethical decision-making.

Acknowledgments

The author would like to thank the anonymous reviewers of the Journal of Contemporary Religion for their insightful comments and Dr Elisabeth Arweck for her professionalism and commitment to excellence.

Notes

Note

1. The seven universal commandments are: prohibition of idolatry, prohibition of murder, prohibition of theft, prohibition of sexual immorality, prohibition of blasphemy, prohibition of eating flesh taken from an animal while it is still alive, the establishment of courts of law.