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...
Hanukah – May One Use the Light of the Hanukah Candles if There’s a Power Failure?
Hanukah – The Order of Preference When Choosing a Menorah; Using Coagulated Oil
Hanukah Candles – The Proper Time for Lighting, and the Suitable Oils and Wicks
Hanukah – May Inedible Olive Oil be Used for Hanukah Candle Lighting?
Hanukah – If One is Unsure Whether the Candles Will Burn for a Half-Hour
Hanukah – Candle Lighting When Staying in a Hotel
If One’s Hanukah Candles Were Extinguished Shortly After Lighting
Hanukah – Extinguishing or Using the Candles After a Half-Hour; Reusing the Previous Night’s Wicks; Lighting One Candle From Another
Chanukah- the Beracha Recited Before Hallel; Women's Recitation of Hallel
Al Ha’nisim – If One Forgot to Recite Al Ha’nisim or Recited it in the Wrong Place
Hanukah – Reciting a Beracha Over Hallel; the Times When Hallel May be Recited; Reciting "Mizmor Shir Hanukat Habayit"
Hanukah Candle Lighting on Ereb Shabbat and Mosa’eh Shabbat
The Hanukah Miracle; Customs Regarding Working and Festive Meals During Hanukah
Hanukah – Where Should a Guest Light if He Will be Returning Home That Night?
Hanukah – The Shamosh
Page of 239
3585 Halachot found