Q. I attended a delivery recently where the newborn had severe internal congenital organ defects. It is customary not to inform immediately the parents of the detrimental situation, as to provide opportunity for the much needed bonding with their offspring. The parents are frum and they made the required brocho. In light of the above, is a brocho recited? If not should they be then informed immediately?
A. Toras Hayoledes (37.9) argues that it is likely that one may make a brocho (Sheheyanu or Hatov Vehameitiv) on the birth of a blemished child, such as blind or missing a limb, Hashem should protect us, as he can grow up to be a great scholar or Tzadik. Furthermore, a brocho said in such situation will demonstrate, great bitochon and trust in Hashem’s decrees and one’s love for Him. However, he adds, it depends on each individuals disposition and character. He also quotes Horav Eliashiv's Shlit"a opinion, not to make a brocho on the birth of child suffering from Down’s syndrome. In this respect, Assia (journal 13, 3-4) cites different opinions of Poiskim and also addresses the predicted life-span issue of the ailing child.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit"a opinion is that if the doctor's prognosis maintains that the child will live over thirty days, a brocho may be recited. (see Talmud Brochos 59b and O.C. 223,2 in regards to reciting a praise brocho when confronted with a parents demise and at the same time receiving his inheritance) Accordingly the attending physician may if necessary avoid informing the parents immediately, as there is no concern for an unnecessary brocho.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit"a
Important Numbers
