A test of faith? Attitudes of ultraorthodox Jewish parents of children with down syndrome toward prenatal testing

Abstract

The Haredi (ultraorthodox Jewish) community in Israel presents distinct views on disability and prenatal testing compared to the pro-testing attitudes of the Israeli general public. Based on qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews with Haredi parents of children with Down syndrome, this study explores the interplay between their personal experiences and community norms in the creation of views on disability and pregnancy management. The experiences of life with disability carry varied positive and negative aspects, for both secular and religious parents. However, while this variability sometimes led to re-consideration (for better or worse) of views on disability and prenatal testing among secular parents, we demonstrate that parenting a child with disability did not change the views of Haredi parents regarding the futility of prenatal testing and the value of disability. For them, the Haredi model of disability remained the dominant framework through which life is experienced.