Jewish medical ethics--a brief overview.

Abstract

Jewish contributions to medicine and medical ethics are outlined briefly by the Chief Rabbi of the British Commonwealth. Respect for the dignity and sanctity of human life, and a duty to preserve health, are grounded in biblical and legal traditions and are the basis of contemporary Jewish responses to such issues as abortion, contraception, euthanasia, and organ transplantation. Jewish as well as Christian and secular moral specialists should be included in decisions about applications of biomedical technologies that have profound implications for human well-being. Jakobovits concludes by advocating formal training in medical ethics for physicians and other health care professionals.