DEVELOPING HALAKHIC ATTITUDES TO SEX PRESELECTION

objective." Bettan , then, is not only philosophically tolerant of sex preselection, but takes a position of support bordering on advocacy. In this respect, Bettan is prepared to go considerably further than the traditionalist, and when it comes to methodological concerns, his litmus test is decidedly unlike theirs. For Bettan is not so much interested in whether potential new techniques will conform with the rigorous precepts of the oral law, as he is insistent that they should meet some- undefined- general standards of scientific and moral probity.

Judged by these criteria, while the 1.V.F. method would, in all likelihood, be rejected on the grounds of simplicity and safety, it is difficult to see why the sperm separation procedure would not comply with Bettan 's requirements. Though it presently falls short of perfection, it is certainly scientifically sound, it is relatively simple, it is safe, and- in view of the fact that it is purely the husband's sperm that is being used- it would seem to be moral according to most contemporary views of morality. Even if questions were to be raised about the Jewish moral acceptability of wasting seed, or of employing A.LH. for non-medical purposes, nothing in the Reform responsa currently on record would undergird such objections. In fact, Rabbi Walter Jacob 's 1979 responsum on masturbation concludes, "[m]asturbation should be discouraged, but we would not consider it harmful or sinful." If masturbation- which is the"wasting" of seed for wholly narcissistic ends- is not sinful, then it can certainly be surmised that the"wasting" of seed in pursuit of a"legitimate objective" would endure no moral censure. Moreover, while A.LH. for non-medical purposes is not specifically addressed in the Reform responsa, there seems little from a Reform viewpoint which would justify an"immoral" designation being applied, given that the sperm procurement process would apparently be untainted, a consenting married couple would be involved, and a"legitimate objective" would be sought. In short, Bettan 's standards for permitting sex preselection would appear to be well met by the sperm separation technique, and provide credence for the view that a positive ruling should be given to progressive Jews to proceed with this method as a Jewishly approved sex preselection procedure.

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