The Role of Theology in Contemporary Jewish Ethical Decision-Making: The Case of Artificial Insemination

Among the stunning achievements of modern medicine have been the advances in reproductive technology. As a result of these advances, new ethical questions have been raised. Rabbi Eliezer Waldenberg, an ultra-orthodox legal decisor, responded to the challenge of difficult moral dilemmas by developing a Jewish response. He argued forcefully against the use of artificial insemination using a donor's semen (AID) and was even hesitant about permitting it using the husband's sperm (AIH). His opposition is based on a combination of kabbalistic, bio-conservative, and epistemological grounds and demonstrates the dominant role that theology plays in Jewish ethical decision-making.