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

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Fetal reduction

8 September, 2004
Question:

I was wondering what the law is concerning multi-fetal pregnancy reduction in the case of 4 or more fetuses? Thank you for having this website – it has been a big help in becoming more educated on the laws on niddah and the issues surrounding infertility.


Answer:

Thank you for your kind words. We’re grateful for the opportunity to support your halachic observance.

Most halachic authorities permit fetal reduction in cases where it is medically indicated, and there is increasing medical and halachic consensus to reduce fetuses in a multi-fetal pregnancy to two.

These questions are complex, and require individual halachic consultation, because they touch on the life of each fetus and on the mother’s health. For further discussion of the issues involved, you may wish to arrange a personal consultation with a Nishmat Fertility Counselor, a Yoetzet Halacha who has completed additional specialized training in this area. Consultations are free and can take place in person, by phone, or via internet conference.

This response was updated on 29 April, 2021.

This internet service does not preclude, override or replace the psak of any rabbinical authority. It is the responsibility of the questioner to inform us of any previous consultation or ruling. As even slight variation in circumstances may have Halachic consequences, views expressed concerning one case may not be applied to other, seemingly similar cases. All health and health-related information contained within Nishmat's Women's Health & Halacha Web site is intended to be general in nature and should not be used as a substitute for consulting with your health care professional. The advice is intended to offer a basis for individuals to discuss their medical condition with their health care provider but not individual advice. Although every effort is made to ensure that the material within Nishmat's Women's Health & Halacha Web site is accurate and timely, it is provided for the convenience of the Web site user but should not be considered official. Advice for actual medical practice should be obtained from a licensed health care professional. For further questions or comments:  The Nishmat Women's Health and Halacha Site is a public service of Nishmat, The Jeanie Schottenstein Center for Advanced Torah Study for Women. This project and others like it are made possible by contributions from people like you. If you have benefited from the service, and wish to enable us to help others, click here to donate.
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