Infertility transcends religious, cultural and ethnic boundaries. However, it does present unique challenges for some communities, specifically Jewish couples, because of their specific and strict religious customs.
Fertility expert and an ordained Orthodox Rabbi, Dr. Eli Rybak of Reproductive Medicine Associates (RMA), is uniquely qualified to provide treatment plans for Jewish couples to help build their families. This blog will highlight how integrated medical and religious care can help Jewish couples overcome fertility challenges.
Fertility Challenges of Jewish Couples
For Jewish couples, religious observances impact daily routines, including medical treatment. Observance of the Sabbath and Jewish holidays and Mikvah observance can conflict with the precise timing of fertility procedures like egg retrieval and embryo transfers.
These challenges are addressed by tailoring the treatment to align with these observances, ensuring procedures and monitoring do not occur on restricted days. This alleviates a lot of the stresses that devout patients face as they navigate the same fertility challenges confronting the general population, such as genetic disease, male-factor infertility, and age-related infertility.
Fertility Challenges of Orthodox Jewish Couples
Religious observances of Orthodox Jewish couples impact daily life, including practices that can complicate fertility treatment.
One practice, called Mikvah, refers to the ritual immersion observant women perform at least 12 days after the start of their menstrual period. Marital relations are not allowed until Mikvah immersion. This could be problematic regarding timing as some women have short menstrual cycles and may ovulate before attending the Mikvah, missing their fertile window.
Orthodox women who ovulate early in their cycle could have trouble conceiving naturally. RMA’s fertility treatment, which includes ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF), offers hope. RMA providers guide the patient on how to engage in treatment without causing the woman to enter the Niddah status anew without compromising the effectiveness of her fertility treatment while adhering to religious laws.
Advanced Fertility Treatments and Jewish Law Compliance
RMA is committed to honoring religious laws and has 24/7 Chain of Custody Lab Observation, meaning Orthodox observers, or “Mashgichim” and “Mashgichos,” in the embryology lab, to confirm all procedures adhere to Jewish law or Halacha.
Orthodox Jewish men are guided in navigating the complexity of assisted reproductive technology (ART), including sperm collection in line with religious values.
Significant technological innovations have influenced reproductive medicine, contributing to a better chance of conception and healthy pregnancy.
One notable advancement is using artificial intelligence (AI) in embryo selection (AI-assisted embryology). This assists in predicting an embryo’s viability, improving selection accuracy for implantation.
Genetic testing is also making great strides, with more detailed screenings of potential genetic disorders.
RMA is at the forefront of these advances, applying them to assist Jewish couples in having healthy offspring, particularly when it comes to preventing the many well-known genetic diseases like Tay-Sachs and Cystic Fibrosis and the hundreds of lesser-known diseases that are prevalent in the Jewish population.
Genetic Concerns and Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)
Couples undergoing fertility treatments often opt for genetic testing to prevent diseases from being passed on to their children.
RMA is the pioneer of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), which tests embryos for genetic conditions before implantation, ensuring a healthy baby. This advanced technology offers peace of mind and aligns with the community’s desire to prevent hereditary diseases.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
The use of third-party reproduction is a sensitive topic for all prospective parents. Jewish law has specific stipulations on these matters, and navigating them requires understanding these laws and a sensitive approach to these decisions.
Dr. Ryback collaborates with rabbinical authorities and legal experts to ensure all treatments comply with Halachic principles, reassuring patients that their beliefs are followed and respected.
Cultural Sensitivity Training for Medical Staff
All cultures and religions have nuances, and all RMA teams, including providers, nurses, and administrative teams, undergo sensitivity training specific to the Orthodox Jewish faith and laws. Understanding the religious calendar, dietary laws, and privacy concerns ensures a positive patient experience in which Jewish patients feel comfortable and understood.
Support Systems and Community Resources
Patients of all faiths and cultures can experience the emotional and financial stress of fertility care. Jewish couples enjoy a strong network of resources from their communities. Organizations like Bonei Olam, A Time, and Yesh Tikva provide financial assistance, counseling, educational programs, and peer support groups.
- Bonei Olam: Bonei Olam was founded to ensure that Jewish couples facing fertility challenges can achieve the dream of parenthood. It is a renowned organization deeply committed to the global Jewish community. Hopeful parents receive extensive financial assistance to defray the cost of fertility treatments, and access to the leading experts in reproductive technologies. Additionally, Bonei Olam has invested and pioneered cutting edge research and treatment in Jewish Genetic Disease, Severe Male Factor and Extensive Searches using international collaboration, and onco-fertility.
- A Time: The A Time Organization is a vital resource for Jewish couples facing fertility challenges. They offer comprehensive emotional and medical support tailored to meet the Jewish community's unique needs. A Time is famous for their educational and support programming for couples dealing with infertility, for their indispensable “weekends away” for couples dealing with difficult fertility challenges, and for their highly respected Chain of Custody Hashgacha – Observation in the IVF Lab.
- Yesh Tikva: Yesh Tikva is an influential organization working to break the silence and stigma associated with infertility among the Jewish community. They offer programs to foster support and understanding, including fertility "buddies" and mental health resources. Additionally, Yesh Tikva's "Fertility Friends" program pairs individuals and couples with others with similar experiences, giving them a personal and confidential support system.
- Jewish Fertility Foundation: Jewish Fertility Foundation engages hopeful parents by providing financial assistance, free emotional support in the form of support groups and a fertility buddy program, and infertility education (including a podcast), to those struggling to build their families. Founded in 2015 by Elana Frank, Jewish Fertility Foundation is now in 10 locations across the United States and also has national programming aimed at those on family building journeys.
Future Trends in Fertility Care
The field of reproductive medicine is on the brink of innovations that could revolutionize treatment for all couples. Gene editing and improved treatment protocols for freezing and thawing both eggs and embryos show promise toward improving outcomes and safety. RMA is committed to integrating these advances within the ethical standards of community values, ensuring that cutting-edge science is available to Jewish couples without compromising their beliefs.
Jewish Fertility Providers at RMA
- Dr. Eli Rybak: Dr. Rybak practices out of our offices in Eatontown and Englewood, NJ.
- Dr. Bat-Sheva Maslow: Dr. Maslow practices out of our office in Jersey City, NJ.
- Dr. Jacqueline Gutmann: Dr. Gutmann practices out of our office in Philadelphia and Wayne, PA.
- Dr. Melanie Landay: Dr. Landay practices out of our office in Los Angeles, CA.
Conclusion
Our provider’s extensive experience and empathetic approach to fertility care ensure that Jewish couples, both strictly Observant and Traditional, receive the support they need to overcome their unique challenges.
