Sex and Gender Bio-psychosocial Differences in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19): Men have more Biological Problems, but Women Suffer more Long Term Serious Psychosocial Consequences and with more Implications for Population

Background: Induced abortion or Termination of Pregnancy (TOP) is still a controversial issue in all societies because of moral, ethical, legal, emotional and religious questions. The decision to abort is made primarily by mother, couple and family. Studies indicate that abortion can create physical, social and psychological problems both for women and for medical staff. Decisions are influenced by the women's personal values and religious factors thus potentially making it more complicated emotionally, physically and socially. Aim of the study: To assess attitudes and differences between ultra-orthodox and secular women determining TOP, depending on the cause of the abortion. Methods and procedure: One hundred ninety-six Jewish women participated in a cross-section study, conducted in 2018. They were evaluated by a questionnaire comprised of two parts. a) Socio-demographic characteristics, b) Attitudes regarding TOP. Data was collected via Google Forms. Data were analyzed by using SPSS, version 25. Results: Orthodox women were found less liberal about abortion than secular women were. Secular women agreed to perform abortions in cases of fetal malformation, albinism, economic distress, unplanned pregnancy, and pregnancy interrupted career goals. There were no differences between the two groups to abort the pregnancy because of fetal gender. Conclusions: Judaism opposes abortion for both religious and moral reasons. Many religious leaders (rabbis) prohibit abortion in almost every situation. However, there are cases in which they will give permission to perform, mostly if the pregnancy poses a danger to the woman's life. In contrast to this approach, there are various feminist and human rights organizations in Israel, which support the choice of women regarding their bodies.