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

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NFP and mikveh night

8 January, 2004
Question:

Thank you for providing such clear, straightforward information.

In an answer to a question, you wrote: "If there is a halachically acceptable reason for not getting pregnant, than natural fertility control can be used. Mikveh can be delayed by doing the hefsek taharah a few days later or by reaching agreement with your husband that you will go to the mikveh late."

Does this mean that there is something wrong with not engaging in intimate relations with one's husband on the mikveh night?

Thanks.


Answer:

It depends what the reason is for not engaging in intimate relations. If both of you are tired, not in the mood, etc., then there is no obligation to do so. But if abstinence is used as a method of birth control, then it would only be appropriate in situations where birth control is permitted.

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