Clinical Ethics and the Observant Jewish and Muslim Patient: Shared Theocentric Perspectives in Practice

Patients from religious minorities can face unique challenges reconciling their beliefs with the values thatundergird Western Medical Ethics. This paper explores homologies between approaches of OrthodoxJudaism and Islam to medical ethics, and how these religions'moral codes differ from the prevailing ethos inmedicine. Through analysis of religious and biomedical literature, this work examines how Jewish andMuslim religious observances affect decisions about genetic counseling, reproductive health, pediatricmedicine, mental health, and end-of-life decisions. These traditions embrace a theocentric rather than anautonomy-based ethics. Central to this conception is the view that life and the body are gifts from God ratherthan the individual and the primacy of community norms. These insights can help clinicians provide carethat aligns Muslim and Jewish patients'health goals with their religious beliefs and cultural values. Finally,dialogue in a medical context between these faith traditions provides an opportunity for rapprochementamidst geopolitical turmoil.