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

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Vasectomy in halacha

7 August, 2006
Question:

What is the Jewish view on a vasectomy?


Answer:

There is a distinct commandment, based on Leviticus 22:24, forbidding sterilization of animals as well as people. This is considered a Torah commandment for men and a rabbinic decree for women. Thus, causing damage to male reproductive organs, as with a vasectomy, is absolutely prohibited by halacha on a Torah level.

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