Taking birth control pills on shabbat? - Nishmat Yoatzot Halacha

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Taking birth control pills on shabbat?

November 6, 2006

Question

I am considering switching to the pill from my current form of birth control and couldn't help wondering: Given that medications are generally not permitted on Shabbat for people who are not seriously ill, why does this never come up in discussions of halakhic issues with the pill?

Answer

There is no debate about the permissibility of birth control pills on Shabbat because these pills are generally used by healthy women. Furthermore, they are not meant to prevent disease (since pregnancy is not a sickness), and therefore do not fall into the category of medicine.