We respond to every follow-up question submitted, but only publish selected ones.
In order to be considered for publication, questions must be on-topic, polite, and address ideas rather than
personalities.
Question: What is the Torah view on abortion?
Answer: The Torah holds human life to be of the utmost value; this applies also to fetal life. Hence abortion is basically forbidden. However, the Torah differentiates between born and unborn life, and when only one of them can be preserved, the former is preferred. Thus there are situations in which abortion is permitted, for example to save the mother’s life. But since preservation of life is of the utmost importance, in any such situation a qualified Rabbi must be consulted.
Best Regards,
Rabbi Azriel Schreiber
