DailyHalacha.com for Mobile Devices Now Available

Click Here to Sponsor Daily Halacha
"Delivered to Over 6000 Registered Recipients Each Day"

      
(File size: 2.54 MB)
Accompanying a Woman in Labor to the Hospital on Shabbat

If a woman goes into labor on Shabbat and must be taken to the hospital, may her husband and mother join her?

The Shulhan Aruch (Orah Haim 330:1) writes that a woman in labor has the status of a "Holeh She’yesh Bo Sakana" – an ill patient in a condition of potential risk to life. As such, the Shabbat prohibitions are waived for anything that is necessary to help her, which includes anything necessary to keep her calm and relaxed. Halacha permits turning on the lights for a woman in labor on Shabbat even if she is blind, and will not directly benefit form the light, if she will be comforted knowing that the room is illuminated. This demonstrates Halacha’s understanding of, and sensitivity to, the emotional wellbeing of a seriously ill patient, and its recognition of the importance of keeping the patient at ease.

Certainly, then, anyone whom the woman wishes to accompany her to the hospital for her comfort and peace of mind may do so.

Preferably, a non-Jew should drive, because then no Torah violation is involved, as asking a non-Jew to perform a Melacha on Shabbat is forbidden only by force of Rabbinic enactment. This is permissible on Shabbat even for an ill patient whose condition is not potentially life-threatening. In the case of a woman in labor, even Torah prohibitions may be violated if necessary, but if it is possible to hire a non-Jewish driver, this would be preferable.

Summary: If a woman goes into labor on Shabbat and must be taken to the hospital, anyone whom she wishes to have with her for her comfort and peace of mind is permitted to accompany her. If possible, a non-Jewish driver should be hired.

 


Recent Daily Halachot...
Does One Recite a Beracha Over a Secondary Food That Was Brought Only After He Recited the Beracha Over the Primary Food?
If One Eats the Secondary Food Before the Primary Food
The Beracha Over Cereal with Milk, and Yogurt with Fruit
If One Recited a Beracha Over a Cracker With Cheese, and Some Cheese Was Left Over
If a Person Changes His Mind and Decides Not to Eat After Listening to a Beracha
If a Person Mistakenly Concluded “Al Ha’mihya” With the Words “Al Ha’perot”
Fulfilling One’s Requirement by Listening to a Beracha Recited by Another Person
The Requirement of “Shem U’malchut” in a Beracha
Does the Beracha of “Gefen” Cover Other Beverages if One Does Not Intend to Drink More Wine?
Halachot Concerning the Berachot Over Wine, Fruit Juice and Coffee
Does One Recite a Beracha Over Beer or Whiskey Drunk During a Maal if HaMosi Was Recited?
Does One Recite a Beracha Over Tea and Coffee Drunk After a Meal If Ha'Mosi Was Recited ?
Must One Recite a Beracha Over Water or Wine During a Meal Where One Recited Ha'motzi?
Is Wine Still Considered A ‘Bore Peri HaGefen’ And Acceptable for Kiddush If It is Diluted
The Sequence of Berachot When Eating Cake With Coffee
Page of 239
3585 Halachot found