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fication and it is forbidden to stand by and let him per-
ish.
2. However, there is no mitzvah to help a patient who leads
a life of sin, entrenched in the severe transgressions of
stealing and immorality, tempting others to sin when her
life centers upon this and it is her source of livelihood. On
the contrary, every person should be aware that if he harms
others he will not receive help or support from the public
until he repents and mends his ways. Anyone who extends
help to these people who are mired in blood and deceit is
possibly transgressing the prohibition of assisting sinners
because without his medical help they would be unable to
sin. Treating such a patient is only permitted if the physi-
cian first rebukes her and encourages her to repent, after
which it is a mitzvah to heal her.
3. The Chazon Ish writes however that the sons and disciples
of heretics are considered as anussim (acting out of com-
pulsion), like children captured and raised by gentiles and
that we are obligated to sustain them – further delibera-
tion is necessary in regard to our case.
4. If the sinful woman is pregnant she should be treated be-
cause of the fetus.



Treating an AIDS Patient who Declares his

Intention of Continuing his Sinful Behavior

ɳ Question

A patient suffering from AIDS who leads a life of abandon was ad-
mitted to hospital. He is at a very early stage of the disease. Although
this disease is at present incurable, using a relatively new medication

256 1 Medical-Halachic Responsa of Rav Zilberstein