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

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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. For Tisha B’Av, a woman is exempt from fasting only for a fresh transfer (i.e., not for a frozen embryo).
  • 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.

This page was updated on 9 September, 2024.

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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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