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

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If I know contraception is permissible for me, do I need to ask?

19 December, 2021
Question:

Is it necessary to ask for a heter for birth control when I’m certain I’ll get it? (For example after a c-section)


Answer:

In general, someone truly confident that they know the answer to a halachic question is not halachically obligated to seek a ruling.

In many communities, it is nevertheless customary for couples to seek halachic rulings for contraceptive use, regardless of whether they are confident of the answer, because confidence in one’s own knowledge can be misplaced, and because of the gravity of these questions.

In other communities, couples take on more independent halachic responsibility in this area over time, as they build confidence based on prior rulings and discussions.

To learn more about halachic aspects of these decisions and of using particular methods, please see the “Family Planning” section of our site.

This internet service does not preclude, override or replace the psak of any rabbinical authority. It is the responsibility of the questioner to inform us of any previous consultation or ruling. As even slight variation in circumstances may have Halachic consequences, views expressed concerning one case may not be applied to other, seemingly similar cases. 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. For further questions or comments:  The Nishmat Women's Health and Halacha Site is a public service of Nishmat, The Jeanie Schottenstein Center for Advanced Torah Study for Women. This project and others like it are made possible by contributions from people like you. If you have benefited from the service, and wish to enable us to help others, click here to donate.
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