However, observant Jewish couples cannot always take advantage
of these treatments. First, many lack the knowledge to understand
why they are not conceiving. They turn to large clinics
and hospitals for help, but often find the process bewildering.
Without a centralized and reliable information service to
help them gain a better understanding of what they are going
through, their sense of intimidation grows. In their frustration,
some stop treatments altogether.
Second, many treatments raise a wide range of halachic
questions. Because these couples and their families –
and sometimes, even their rabbonim – may be unfamiliar
with what the treatments entail, they may mistakenly limit
their choices or choose to forgo treatments altogether,
thinking they cannot be administered in accordance with
halacha. Or, they may inadvertently commit a Torah violation.
Third, even when couples have a halachic authority to turn
to, their doctors usually know little, if anything, about
the religious issues involved in fertility treatment. Again,
they may mistakenly dismiss perfectly acceptable choices,
or forgo treatments because of lack of religious supervision
of medical procedures. Those who do take the treatments
may also inadvertently commit a Torah violation.
Finally, because the cost of specialized fertility treatments
can be staggering, many couples find it is financially impossible
to have a baby. Treatments can run into the tens of thousands
of dollars, much of which is not covered by insurance providers.
|
