Episode 108: Rabbi Elan Segelman On Navigating Fertility and Faith

In this powerful episode, host Lisa Pineda sits down with Rabbi Elan Segelman, Rabbanic Director at PUAH, to explore the unique intersection of Jewish law and fertility treatment. With one in six couples facing infertility challenges, Rabbi Segelman shares how PUAH has become the number one resource for the Jewish community navigating everything from IVF and IUI to egg freezing and male factor infertility. He opens up about the shame and guilt many couples experience, the complexities of observing Shabbat during treatment, and why modern reproductive technology is a gift from God, not a contradiction to faith. This conversation breaks down barriers and provides hope for anyone struggling with their fertility journey.Rabbi Segelman walks through PUAH's groundbreaking lab supervision program, explaining how the organization was founded nearly 40 years ago to ensure genetic lineage integrity during IVF procedures. He discusses the rise of male factor infertility, breakthrough AI technologies like sperm identification systems, and why egg freezing should be an empowered choice for women. From addressing halakhic considerations during treatment cycles to the emotional toll of recurrent miscarriages, this episode covers the full spectrum of fertility challenges within the Orthodox Jewish community. Rabbi Segelman's message is clear: no one should face this journey alone, and resources like PUAH exist to provide both practical guidance and emotional support every step of the way.Key Highlights:🙏 Breaking the Stigma: Rabbi Segelman addresses the shame and guilt many Jewish couples feel when turning to assisted reproductive technology, emphasizing that modern fertility treatments are gifts from God, not contradictions to faith.🕯️ Navigating Shabbat and Treatment: Learn how PUAH helps couples schedule fertility treatments around Shabbat observance, including creative solutions for ovulation testing, trigger shots, and monitoring appointments that respect Jewish law.👨 Male Factor Infertility Rising: With nearly 50% of infertility cases involving male factors, Rabbi Segelman discusses halakhic approaches to semen analysis, the revolutionary impact of ICSI technology, and how AI is now identifying viable sperm in previously deemed azoospermic samples.🧊 Egg Freezing as Empowerment: Why women should consider freezing eggs before age 35, how to approach the conversation without stigma, and Rabbi Segelman's heartfelt plea that no woman should ever look back with regret saying 'nobody told me about this option.'🔬 Lab Supervision and Lineage: The fascinating origin story of PUAH's lab supervision program, developed 40 years ago to address rabbinic concerns about genetic material mixups and ensure the preservation of Jewish lineage during IVF procedures.🤖 AI Revolutionizing Fertility: From AI-powered sperm identification systems at Columbia University to uterine imaging that detects issues doctors miss, Rabbi Segelman shares how artificial intelligence is expanding possibilities for couples facing severe infertility.💔 Supporting Through Loss: Addressing the devastating reality of recurrent miscarriages and how new diagnostic tools, including AI-enhanced imaging, are helping identify previously unknown uterine issues that contribute to pregnancy loss.🌍 Global Reach, Personal Touch: PUAH now operates internationally with offices from Israel to the United States, Mexico, France, and Australia, providing 24/7 support including Shabbat and holiday supervision for couples anywhere in the world.Contact Rabbi Elan Segelman at Puah Fertility @puah_fertility