Amniocentesis and Chorionic Villi Sampling
There is halachic debate regarding the permissibility of invasive prenatal tests (amniocentesis and chorionic villi sampling). In cases where the fetus is clearly not viable, (such as Trisomy 18), many authorities would permit abortion and thus amniocentesis would be allowed. But for other defects such as Down syndrome, where abortion is generally not permitted, rabbinic authorities differ. Some authorities maintain that, since abortion is not an option, one should not increase the risk of miscarriage with an invasive test. Other authorities consider the test worthwhile because in most cases the fetus is not affected and the parents can then be relaxed about this issue. Even if the fetus is affected, the family may be more able to cope if they are prepared in advance. A couple considering these tests should discuss them with their rabbi before they are performed.
Amniocentesis is performed via the abdomen and is unlikely to cause vaginal bleeding; therefore, it does not render a woman niddah.
Chorionic villi sampling (CVS) used to be done as early as 6 weeks of gestation. This was helpful for religious couples, as it was just possible to get results within 40 days after mikvah immersion, when it is easier to permit abortion. However, due to the risk of limb defects, this test is no longer performed quite so early in pregnancy and this advantage is lost. CVS continues to have the advantage that it can be performed early enough that a woman can still hide her pregnancy. This needs to be balanced against the slightly higher risk of miscarriage than that for amniocentesis. The couple should ask for the statistics for the center where the procedure is done prior to consulting with the rabbi.
There is debate as to whether this procedure makes a woman niddah. This question should also be asked prior to its performance.
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