Reasons to Permit Contraception

Although there is a Torah commandment to have children, and although Jewish law strongly encourages families larger than the minimum size, contraception is permitted under certain circumstances. A woman whose life would be endangered by pregnancy or childbirth is required to use birth control, in accordance with the principle that all commandments (except for the prohibitions against adultery/incest, idolatry, and murder) are suspended where life is in danger. Other situations, including the woman's physical or emotional condition and the family's ability to cope, may also be grounds for allowing contraception. Some authorities permit spacing of births. Each couple should discuss their individual circumstances with a rabbinic authority.

Information for your Health Care Provider

Click on the link(s) below for related articles from Jewish Women's Health, Nishmat's website for medical professionals. You may find it helpful to share this information with your physician by printing or emailing relevant articles, or by accessing the site during your appointment.   Contraception and Jewish Law Rabbinic permission for contraception