Congregation Rinat Yisrael, in conjunction with the Jewish Center of Teaneck and the Teaneck Yoetzet Initiative, is pleased to invite the community to a talk by Dr. Bat-Sheva Maslow discussing medical, ethical and halachic perspectives on fertility and fertility preservation.
Dr. Maslow is the director of research at Extend Fertility in Manhattan, where she specializes in counseling women about fertility and options for fertility preservation. Dr. Maslow graduated magna cum laude from Barnard College with a BA in History and attended the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, where she received an MD with distinction. Dr. Maslow completed residency training in obstetrics & gynecology at the University of Pennsylvania and sub-specialty training in reproductive endocrinology & infertility at the University of Connecticut, where she also completed a master’s degree in clinical and translational research.
Dr. Maslow has a well-established expertise in the halachic and hashkafic elements related to reproductive medicine. According to Dr. Maslow, there is a wide range of opinions both ethically and halachically when it comes to reproductive medicine, which over time has undergone significant change. Dr. Maslow plans to focus on the development of the halachic process and the changing views surrounding fertility intervention.
“This is a case study in halacha and modernity,” said Dr. Maslow. Fertility preservation has advanced in so many ways with the invent of various technologies, in some cases posing both ethical and moral debates and certainly halachic uncertainties. The last four decades have seen tremendous halachic debate in the reproductive arena, moving the needle significantly across varying degrees of acceptance.
“When in vitro fertilization (IVF) was first introduced some 40 years ago, many major halachic figureheads of the time were opposed to utilizing IVF,” explained Dr. Maslow. “Now we’ve come full circle and not only is it widely acceptable, there are opinions that a couple struggling with infertility might be halachically obligated to try IVF.”
As Orthodox Jews, our cultural and halachic viewpoints sometimes drive our leaders to address fertility issues differently than the general public might. Dr. Maslow hopes to provide insight into these conflicting circumstances and resolve some of the uncertainties that could potentially impede reproductive success. She will also touch on non-halachic issues surrounding fertility preservation.
Extend Fertility was founded as a practice committed to helping women proactively preserve their fertility as it declines with age. “Our practice is dedicated to education, transparency and patient empowerment,” said Dr. Maslow. “We’ve since expanded to include the full suite of infertility services, as well.” She is excited about these new prospects and delights in the opportunity to help people create families.
Dr. Maslow also serves as the director of medical education for the North American Yoatzot Halacha Program and sits on the founding board of directors of the Jewish Orthodox Women’s Medical Association (JOWMA). She lives in Riverdale with her husband and four daughters.
The event will take place on Motzei Shabbat, November 2, at 8:30 p.m. at Congregation Rinat Yisrael, 389 West Englewood Avenue. Dairy desserts will be served.
By Andrea Nissel
