Nishmat's Women’s Health and HalachaIn memory of Chaya Mirel bat R' Avraham

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Anti-depressant and contraception

12 April, 2013
Question:

I am getting married and do not have a rabbinic authority I am close to in order to get a P'sak for taking birth control.

I am currently taking an anti-depressant, and I do not feel emotionally ready to have a child. I feel that my future husband and I need some time before we are emotionally ready. And I want to have time to try weaning off the medication so I will not be on medication when I'm pregnant. Is birth control allowed for me? Thanks.


Answer:

Mazal tov on your upcoming marriage!

The rabbinic supervisor of this site, R' Yehuda Henkin, generally permits the use of contraception for the first six months of marriage to allow the couple to adjust to married life. In your situation, where you are concerned about your emotional health, it would be permitted to continue use of contraceptives beyond the initial six months until you (and your doctor) feel you are emotionally stable. We do recommend  trying to find a local rabbi who can get to know you personally for further guidance.

B'Hatzlacha!

This internet service does not preclude, override or replace the psak of any rabbinical authority. It is the responsibility of the questioner to inform us of any previous consultation or ruling. As even slight variation in circumstances may have Halachic consequences, views expressed concerning one case may not be applied to other, seemingly similar cases. All health and health-related information contained within Nishmat's Women's Health & Halacha Web site is intended to be general in nature and should not be used as a substitute for consulting with your health care professional. The advice is intended to offer a basis for individuals to discuss their medical condition with their health care provider but not individual advice. Although every effort is made to ensure that the material within Nishmat's Women's Health & Halacha Web site is accurate and timely, it is provided for the convenience of the Web site user but should not be considered official. Advice for actual medical practice should be obtained from a licensed health care professional.

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