EMBRYOLOGY, TERATOLOGY,
AND PRENATAL ISSUES
UNDER HALACHA
By
Sharon Fleiner Smith Kindron
Student ID Number: 12978
Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements
for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy,
Individual Program –
Ashkenazi Jewish Genetic Disorder Studies
at Century University.
To
Dr. William Mayhill,
Faculty Advisor
CENTURY UNIVERSITY
February 2008
Approved____________________________________
Date Approved________________________________
© Copyright 2008
Sharon Fleiner Smith Kindron
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Topic Headings
1. Introduction
2. Prenatal Maternal Testing
3. Prenatal Genetic Testing
4. Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP) or Triple Test
5. Ultrasound for Prenatal Screening
6. Nuchal Cord Thickness
7. Other Non-invasive Tests
8. Invasive Tests: Amniocentesis and Chorionic Villi Sampling (CVS)
9. Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)
10. The Legal Status of Cryopreserved Pre-Embryos
11. Jewish Bioethics and Human Embryology, Teratology, and Prenatal Diagnosis
12. How Should A Practitioner Approach Jewish Bioethics In Human Embryology,
Teratology, And Prenatal Diagnosis?
13. So When Should One Live?
14. The Fundamental Rules of Halachah Regarding Life
15. Halakhic Issues Pertaining To Jewish Genetic Disorders
16. Autonomy vs. “G-d Owns Our Bodies?”
17. Preservation of Life
18. We Must Take Proper Care of our Health
19. The Duty to Heal Ourselves and Others
20. Using Advanced Technology to Sustain Life is Not an Interference With G-d's Will?
21. The Role of a Rabbi
22. Halakhic Issues Specific to Genetic Screening
23. Procreation
24. Marriage Restrictions
25. Confidentiality
26. An Unsettled Mind vs. Peace of Mind?
27. Amniocentesis, Abortion, and Pre-implantation Screening
28. Why Halachah, The Law of Torah?
29. Who Will Ask The Questions and Who Will Make The Decisions?
30. Legal Underpinnings: The Doctrine of Personal Autonomy
31. The “Halachic Health Care Proxy:” Its Components and Mechanics
32. The “Proxy and Directive”
33. The Wallet-Size “Emergency Instructions” Form
34. Inherent