Judaism and Islam – selected medical and bioethical issues

Abstract

This paper examines two monotheistic religions – Judaism and Islam – in the context of medical and biomedical issues. While religions generally greatly impact the entire lives of their believers, health behaviours still play a special role in this regard. Religions are the guidelines on how to behave during the time of sickness. This paper describes the positions of Judaism and Islam on such issues as family planning, abortion, contraception, artificial fertilisation, organ donation and nutrition. Judaism and Islam comprise several branches. Although they refer to the same religious sources, it is possible to find many differences regarding the above bioethical issues. In this paper, I have outlined those positions that are common for the majority of Jews or Muslims. Only occasionally is the position of minority groups shown as well.