Short term contraception after miscarriage

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December 14, 2015

Question

Sadly, I recently had a miscarriage. The doctor told me and my husband that we should wait until I have one normal cycle before attempting to become pregnant again. Our Rabbi said that we can use spermicide. However, I have been reading online that it is not very effective in preventing pregnancy. I read about something called the Today sponge. Do you know if that is halachically permissible? Does it fall in the same category as spermicide? I also read about VCF (Vaginal contraceptive film). Is VCF permitted?

Answer

We are sorry to hear of your miscarriage.

Spermicide is not a very effective method of birth control, but in this situation, where you need protection for only one cycle, it should be sufficient. This is especially true since not all doctors feel that this waiting period is absolutely necessary.

Spermicide comes in various forms. VCF is simply one form of spermicide, and is permissible. Rav Yehuda Henkin, the posek of this site, also permits use of a Today sponge. Both are suitable as short term methods of birth control.

Please feel free to get back to us with any further questions.

We wish you much hatzlacha!