DANIEL SCHIFF
with the method to be employed in effecting sex determination."?® Indeed while Bleich points to substantive problems for the traditional halakhist with current sex preselection techniques, the issues he raises are procedural, not theoretical. There is no hint of a philosophical concern with efficient scientific sex preselection procedures. In fact Bleich devotes considerable attention to matters surrounding the- presently hypothetical- assumption that a"halakhically non-objectionable technique could be found." He goes to some lengths to show that given this possible eventuality, traditional couples would not be obligated to use such a method in order to fulfill the halakhic stipulation of Beit Hillel to have both a boy and a girl. Natural procreation would remain the preferred norm without"heroic measures" being expected to satisfy Beit Hillel*'
Significantly, at no point does Bleich assert that the use of a nonobjectionable sex preselection technique should be forbidden. Although he might not encourage it, and although he delineates possible societal implications which would raise halakhic apprehension, and although he postulates that"[s]ociety would find ample justification in the teachings of Judaism for discouraging widespread sex preselection," still he does not conceptually rule out well-controlled sex preselection utilizing a halakhically approved method.
It is obvious, however, that for the traditionalist there are specific difficulties with the techniques which are presently being advanced. When considering the method employing I.V.F., traditional approaches to the halakhah absolutely reject this process for purposes of sex selection, in light of the fact that in vivo fertilization is seen to be halakhically required whenever possible. This position is supported by the prerequisite of various authorities who prescribe differing lengthy waiting periods ranging upwards from two years- after marriage, before use of LVF. is condoned.” Hence it might be stated succinctly that LV.F. is only traditionally acceptable as a medical aid to help those who are unable to conceive by other means.
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