"Bring Me the Sword!": A Comparative Analysis of How a Modern Day King Solomon Might Approach Assisted Reproductive Technologies From the Jewish and Roman Catholic Perspectives Open Access

Abstract

The advancement of reproductive technologies has caused modern medical science, jurisprudence, and ancient religious tenets to intersect in profound and unprecedented ways. With infertility plaguing over 10% of women in the United States and 10-15% of married couples, different types of aggressive infertility treatments, many of which involve three or more parties, are becoming more common as couples and individuals aim to start families. Not only has the increased use of different reproductive technologies generated ethical dilemmas and bred political controversy, but also, on a broader level, it has challenged traditional understanding of familial relations and blurred notions of identity and consanguinity.

Two vocal informants that shape contemporary conversation regarding the moral and ethical implications surrounding the use of assisted reproductive technologies are the Roman Catholic and Jewish traditions. This paper explores Catholicism and halakhic Judaism's understandings of the role of the family, origins of life, and the paradoxical relationship between divine sovereignty and human stewardship in the context of specific technological interventions in the reproductive process.

Table of Contents

Introduction.....................................................................................................................................1

Foundations.....................................................................................................................................11

Assisted Reproductive Technologies and Procedures......................................................................................................................................35

Artificial Insemination........................................................................................................................39

In Vitro Fertilization...........................................................................................................................63

Gestational Surrogacy........................................................................................................................78

Conclusion........................................................................................................................................90

Bibliography.....................................................................................................................................96

About this Honors Thesis

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School	Emory College
Department	Middle Eastern Studies
Degree	BA
Submission	Honors Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Anthropology, Medical and Forensic Jewish Studies Religion, General
Keyword	halakha bible Roman Catholic infertility reproductive technology
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Seeman, Don, Emory University
Committee Members	Berger, Michael, Emory University Labrecque, Cory A, Emory University

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