Infertility counseling for Orthodox Jewish couples

Objective

To examine traditional Jewish concepts and practices of reproduction, and define problems that may arise in members of Orthodox Jewish society that follows the Halachah (the Jewish codes of conduct).

Design

Expert opinion based on clinical experience.

Setting

Academic-affiliated fertility clinic situated in an observant Jewish community.

Patient(s)

Orthodox and Ultraorthodox (Haredi) couples of the Jewish community.

Interventions(s)

We examined traditional Jewish concepts and practices of reproduction and defined problems that may arise in Jewish Orthodox society.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

None.

Result(s)

The concepts and practices of reproduction of Orthodox religious Jewish couples may lead to halachic subfertility and modification of the usual infertility workup. Treatments are limited to and determined largely by considerations related to religious doctrine.

Conclusion(s)

Understanding the religious, social, and cultural background of patients, particularly religious Orthodox women, enables appropriate fertility counseling and treatment.

Key Words: Infertility, Jewish, Orthodox Jews, religion