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

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MRKH (no uterus) and mikveh

9 November, 2006

Question:

This is not a question I am capable of discussing with someone face to face yet. I am coming to terms with my condition, but am not ready to discuss it with anyone I have to look at, especially a male.

I have MRKH (Mayer Rokintansky Kuster Hauser Syndrome). I have no uterus, I had surgery at 16 to create a vagina. I am now 27, and married. I am trying to become shomer mitzvot, and as part of this my husband and I will be re-marrying in a real Jewish wedding. I have 2 working ovaries and I am genetically female.

Obviously I am never niddah, (no uterus, no niddah) but is there any way I can keep the laws of taharat hamishpacha? Is there any part of taharat hamishpacha that applies to me?

What about mikvah? Do I have reason to keep the mitzvot of mikvah?

Thank you very much for your time.


Answer:

There is nothing to prevent you from immersing in a mikveh for spiritual purposes, and prior to your re-marriage would be a fitting time to do so.

Throughout your married life, you may immerse in the mikveh if you so desire.  However, you are not halachically obligated to immerse and you and your husband are not required to observe any of the laws of niddah.  Your status is similar to that of a woman who has undergone a hysterectomy or menopause.  Such a woman continues to have a fulfilling and holy marriage without the observance of mikveh.


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