Fertility Treatments & Fasting

Minor Fasts & Tisha B’Av

In the following situations, a woman undergoing fertility treatments need not fast on minor fast days, and should eat and drink as necessary on Tisha B’Av:

On the day of embryo transfer
While undergoing ovarian stimulation
When at risk for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
In the early stages of pregnancy following fertility treatments, until a heartbeat has been detected

Yom Kippur

Embryo transfers should not be scheduled for Yom Kippur.

In the following situations, a woman should drink nourishing liquids in shiurim on Yom Kippur:

While undergoing ovarian stimulation
When at risk for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
In the early stages of pregnancy following fertility treatments, until a heartbeat has been detected

Other situations depend on specific medical guidance and halachic consultation.

These rulings are based on consultations with Dr. Yardena Hyman, Dr. Deena Zimmerman, and Rav Yehuda H. Henkin.

Yoetzet Halacha Fertility Counselors are available for free consultation on these and other matters related to fertility, details here.

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