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

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Mikveh when abstaining

31 March, 2005
Question:

My husband and I are trying to resolve our differences on the birth control topic. Until that happens we are abstaining from intimacy and I was wondering whether one is supposed to / allowed to go to the mikvah in this scenario.


Answer:

In this scenario, you are permitted to immerse in the mikveh. 

Abstaining from intimacy is itself a form of birth control.  It is also of halachic value for husband and wife to have relations (mitzvat onah).  We recommend agreeing on a halachic authority to approach for guidance on resolving this issue.

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