DEVELOPING HALAKHIC ATTITUDES TO SEX PRESELECTION

While conception via the sperm separation procedure is, of course, in vivo, the traditional halakhist has an objection to this method as well. The opposition pertains to the"partial" A.LH. used in this procedure. It is well known that A LH. is permitted by most posgim, even though, again, it is not contemplated unless medically indicated.” Just as for LV.F., contemporary authorities only endorse A.LH. after waiting periods ­following marriage- that range from two to ten years, in order to establish its medical necessity.” Consequently, only couples with a history of fertility problems would be eligible for this technique. A.LH. is, moreover, sanctioned solely on the basis that all of the husband's ejaculate is inseminated into the woman, with none of the sperm being discarded prior to the fertilization process. However, in the context of the sex preselection practice of separating sperm, it is, of course, the intention that only the androsperm or the gynosperm will be deposited in the woman, but not both. Since the resultant discarding of the remaining sperm would- for the traditional halakhist- constitute hash-hatat zera, wanton destruction of seed, this procedure cannot be countenanced by the traditionalist for anybody.”

CONTEMPORARY EFFICIENT METHODS THROUGH A PROGRESSIVE LENS

The position of the traditional posgim with regard to sex preselection is, therefore, clear, but what is the stance of progressive halakhah? Does a progressive approach mirror the philosophic tolerance towards sex preselection, combined with the actual rejection of prevailing methods, which characterizes the traditional outlook? How do such fundamental principles of progressive halakhah like qedushah and individual conscience,” or values such as gender equality, influence progressive attitudes to these issues?

The only Reform responsum which deals directly with the subject

of sex preselection is that published in the name of Rabbi Israel Bettan and the responsa committee in 1941. Bettan is asked to respond to the

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