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taken in dealing with these matters without consulting the nation’s
Torah sages, its teachers and luminaries.
Sperm Fortification in a Middle Aged Man
ɳ Question
This question concerns a couple who have both sons and daughters,
and the husband is over 50 years old. The woman is physically healthy
and for some years has strongly desired the blessing of an additional
child and therefore requests that her husband consent to fortification
of his sperm.
Her husband argues that at his age he would find it easier to
be a grandfather than the father of a young child. From a medical
viewpoint, advancing age increases the chances of having a child with
Down syndrome and of complications in birth for both the mother
and the child. This couple would like to clarify how the Torah views
their situation.
Dr. Menachem Chaim Breier, Manag-
ing Physician at the Geriatric Center,
Givat Hasheloshah, Petach Tikvah
ɳ Response
Every man is obligated to fulfill the mitzvah of procreation. In regard
to old age too it is written,“In the morning [of life] sow your seed and
in the evening do not desist [i.e. continue to procreate]” (Koheles 11:6),
as explained in maseches Yevamos (62b). While the Torah indeed tells
us “do not desist” meaning do not slacken and neglect the mitzvah
88 1 Medical-Halachic Responsa of Rav Zilberstein
