Nishmat's Women’s Health and HalachaIn memory of Chaya Mirel bat R' Avraham

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Testing fetal tissue after miscarriage

27 April, 2007

Question:

I am interested in finding out what the halacha is regarding testing on the remains after a miscarriage. I have now had 3 miscarriages and if chas v'shalom it was to happen again, my doctor has advised testing to rule out any problems that might be fixable. Is there any halachic problem with this? Does it matter if what passes is actually recognizable as a fetus?

Thank you.


Answer:

We are sorry to hear of your repeat miscarriages.

It is fully permissible in this case to have the tissue tested.  Even where there is a custom to bury a recognizable fetus, removing tissue for testing would be permissible.  We hope that you never have occasion to apply this ruling.


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