Multifetal pregnancy reduction and disposal of untransplanted embryos in contemporary Jewish law and ethics

Article Abstract:

Advances in reproductive technologies have led to increasingly complex ethical and religious questions. In vitro fertilization techniques allow an egg and sperm to unite and form a zygote outside the mother's body. Often many zygotes are produced, but not all are used. The use of infertility drugs often results in multifetal pregnancies in which the number of fetuses must be reduced to ensure the health of the mother and of the fetuses that remain. The Roman Catholic church has come out squarely against multifetal pregnancy reduction and destruction of zygotes. Jewish opinion on contemporary questions is derived from collegial review of the sources of Jewish law. Sometimes conflicting opinions are generated initially, but eventually a dominant opinion emerges. Under Jewish law, the fetus does not attain human status until the head has emerged from the womb. Abortion is thus acceptable under some circumstances. An embryo would appear to have an even a lower status than the fetus under Jewish law. In most cases, in vitro fertilization would seem to be acceptable under Jewish law. Because each fetus would have individual standing under Jewish law, multifetal pregnancy reduction is more of a problem. If the mother's life is endangered, then any of the fetuses may be aborted. If the fetuses are only a danger to each other, there is more of a problem in determining which should be eliminated, as the fetuses are equal. But since not destroying any fetuses would result in the death of all fetuses, some may be destroyed to save the others. An examination of Jewish law reveals that unlike the position of the Catholics, zygotes, embryos, and fetuses are distinct from each other and from humans, from the point of view of morality. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Editorial, Evaluation, Ethical aspects, Religious aspects, Abortion, Fertilization in vitro, Human, Human fertilization in vitro, Jewish law

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Cervical cancer in Jewish women

Article Abstract:

The incidence of cervical cancer in Israel, 6 in 100,000 women, is much lower than figures in the United States, which range from 15 in 100,000 women in Utah to 56 in 100,000 black women in Atlanta. Recently, the incidence of cervical cancer has increased in south Israel. The characteristics of the patient population in this area were studied. Over a 25 year period, 144 cases of cervical cancer were diagnosed in South Israel. Only 10 patients were diagnosed early, before the cancer invaded other tissues. Patients born in Asia or Africa did not have a higher rate of cervical cancer, but they were more likely to be diagnosed with a later stage of cancer than women of European origin. Adenocarcinoma, cancer cells derived from glandular tissue, represents 18 percent of all cervical cancers. Among premenopausal women the incidence of adenocarcinoma was high (19 percent). The lack of a large scale screening program for cervical cancer may explain the high percentage of cervical cancers diagnosed at a late stage. Vaginal bleeding, which is a major symptom of cervical cancer, was encountered less often in this group. Although there was an higher rate of cervical cancer in Jewish women, it may not be significant when compared with the increasing number of women at risk. Changed sexual behavior and more lenient religious practices may explain the increased incidence of cervical cancer. The need for widespread medical screening, particularly for women at risk, is supported by the low early detection rate and high incidence of cervical cancer found in this study group.

Health aspects, Israel, Diseases, Cancer, Women, Jewish, Jewish women

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Can cervical cancer be prevented by a see, screen, and treat program? A pilot study

Article Abstract:

Cervical cancer may be prevented in developing countries through the use of mobile medical clinics providing rapid analysis of Pap smears and on-site surgical removal of cancerous lesions. Researchers in Cape Town, South Africa offered free Pap smears to 5045 women residing in poor areas. Patients were educated about cervical cancer. Cellular analysis of Pap smears was performed within 24 hours, and women who were found to have cancerous lesions were either referred to the hospital for surgery or underwent surgery at the mobile clinic to remove the lesions. A 1.3% rate of cancerous lesions were found, and 97% of women with cancer took advantage of treatment. Education about cancer and easy access to care may prevent cervical cancer among poor women in developing countries.

Usage, Prevention, Hospitals, Mobile, Mobile hospitals, Pap test

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