MOD TECH FURNITURE, INC. in ri my . , manufa A c T tu E rser of cu.sW toom oD fusrniture • CONTEMPORARY • TRADITIONAL 553-2246 IMMtrifIv4.01fts4k niss3101*Met. fratsWeritt414114%18440.111. OP-ED • Judy dusldncler, Lots. interior designer complete design services space planning - color coordination furnishings & accessories Religious News Service Specializing in Personalized Interiors Baby M: Tug of war between her father and surrogate mother Surrogate Parenting A new approach to help couples have families Ancient Jewish law sees modern obstacles RABBI DARNEL I. SCHWARTZ RABBI CHAIM BERGSTEIN T T he drama being played out in the crowded courtroom in Hacken- sack, New Jersey over a baby named M illustrates just how unprepared we are, as a society, to handle the miracles and morality that new scientific advances have created. The landmark case centers around Mary Beth Whitehead who con- tracted to be inseminated artificially by William Stern, -thereby becoming a surro- gate mother so that the Sterns could have the child they so desperately wanted. Surrogacy is as ancient as the Jewish people. The first surrogate relationship on record took place when Sarah, upon realiz- ing that she was barren, demanded that Abraham impregnate her handmaiden Haggar. The aftermath of that particular arrangement was cataclysmic at best. But with a record 15 percent of American couples deemed infertile and science's ability to .provide a viable alternative, a great many people are returning to the surrogate solution as the answer to their prayers of having and raising a family. The case against surrogacy seems to center on some of the more traditional val- ues of society and how mothers and the institution of motherhood is viewed. To those of just a generation ago, it was un- thinkable that a mother would sell her baby for $10,000. Although it has changed, there was once a presumption that the court should automatically award custody to a mother based around the feeling that there is a special, sacred relationship and he case of Baby M raises an enor- mous controversy. The reason for our interest is that this is an un- usual breakthrough of science and the question of its morality tests our thinking process. As Jews, we are obligated to say what we know to be the Torah view, emphati- cally, without reservation. In the event we cannot make a decision, we are equally obligated to admit this is a "Taykoo," a matter beyond our ability to determine. Surrogate motherhood is not one of these unsolvable mysteries. It is abso- lutely forbidden for a multitude of Halachic and moral reasons for a Jew to do or procure. According to Rabbi Dr. J. David Bleich, rabbi rosh yeshiva and pro- fessor of law at Yeshiva University, one of the world's foremost authorities on Jewish medical ethics, it is morally repugnant, bordering on prostitution, and in the event of a married surrogate mother almost adulterous. Surrogate motherhood is not new in Torah and talmudic literature. Sarah wished to raise a child which she could not bear so she asked Abraham to marry Hagar in order to receive the emo- tional benefit of raising a son. It did not work out well for all involved. Artificial impregnation exists in the story of Ben-Sirah's birth by the prophet Jeremiah, whose'seed was emitted in a hot bath and fertilized the mother of Ben- Sirah who entered later. Another talmudic source discusses whether a High Priest Continued on Page 16 Continued on Page 18 First Consultation FREE 356-4282 461 311**40-etits401,0111411WIPIRAWIROWOMItrifts.W. EXCALIBUR $4990 SALE! . S H_ 0 E S • • • M E N --- • • ___ Yves St. Laurent • Giorgio Brutini • Latris Halo Rossi • Freeman • Jonathon Richards Values to $125.00 ORCHARD MALL ■••■■■ 851-5122 ORCHARD LAKE RD.. NORTH OF MAPLE • WEST BLOOMFIELD Just Marilyns Sportswear Boutique SPECIAL SALE OPEN THIS SUNDAY, FEB. 15 12-4 up to 75% OFF Fall & Winter Merchandise Special Racks Pants & Blouses Select Group Sweaters Select Group up to 50% 75% 30% OFF OFF Spring Merchandise OFF I Sale Starts Thursday, Feb. 12 No charges or layaways All Sales Final All previous sales excluded Just Marilyns Sizes 4-18 20079 W. 12 Mile Rd., Country Village Mall Mon.-Sat. 10-5 356-0493