"From Machon Puah"

Designer Babies part 3

In our continuing review of the use of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (or PGD) to create a baby who would be a genetic match to serve as a donor for an ill sibling, we have presented the halachic reasoning of Rav Yaakov Ariel, Chief Rabbi of Ramat Gan. Rav Ariel presented his opinion at the 10th annual PUAH conference on Medicine in Halacha in Jerusalem last month.

We have reviewed Rav Ariel’s halachic opinion regarding both the permissibility for the mother to undergo the risks of such a pregnancy (she is), as well as our ability to consent to potentially dangerous medical procedures being performed on a baby or minor child in an attempt to save someone’s life (we are allowed to).

Rav Ariel closed his remarks with some fascinating insights. He raised the ethical question of what the meaning of life would be for such a child? The Midrash teaches us that each and every person is an individual and has a specific task in the world for himself. If so, how can one person be born in order to be subservient to the needs of another person from birth?

Another question that he raised regards the psychological affects upon the child born for such a purpose. How does the knowledge that the only reason your parents decided to bring you to this world was because of their concern for another child impact upon the development of this child? Does he always feel unwanted and undesired, subservient to his older sibling? Are we permitted to have a child, knowing that this will happen to him?

Although the audience did not realize it, Rav Ariel was not speaking based solely upon theoretical knowledge. Last year, PUAH was consulted by a couple on this exact case and Rav Ariel was the posek we consulted to make a halachic ruling for them. After reviewing the halachic considerations, Rav Ariel asked us these very questions and requested that we gather more information on them before he gave his final decision.

As we noted in the opening article of this series, American author Jodi Picoult’s 2004 novel “My Sister’s Keeper” was written about this topic as well. We contacted her to see what, if any insight she had in understanding the psychology of such children. She immediately replied and shared the findings of the extensive research she had conducted in preparation for her book.

Interestingly, rather than being viewed as secondary to the ill sibling or a repository of spare parts for their benefit, the overwhelming majority of these children are viewed within their family as heroes. They have an extremely positive outlook on their existence and generally thrive as individuals.

[Ed. note: We could tell you whether this last paragraph applies to the character in the Picoult book or not - but we won’t. Our resident novel critic highly recommends it.]

Next week we will discuss how far the obligations to create such a sibling to save one’s child extend.

The Puah Institute is based in Jerusalem and helps couples from all over the world who are experiencing fertility problems. Puah offers free counseling in five languages, halachic supervision, and educational programs. Offices in Jerusalem, New York, Los Angeles and Paris. Contact: (02) 6515050, (Isr) - 718-336-0603 (US) puahonline.org

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