I have an interest in women’s reproductive healt, and would like to become a gynaecologist eventually. So here I am, trying to broaden my knowledge base in the hope of helping future patients. I apologise if I’ve phrased this question poorly or caused offense, it really wasn’t my intention.
My experiences in Ireland are that when a Catholic couple decides to go ahead and use artificial contraception (ie not the Vatican-sanctioned “natural” methods), the method they choose is based on personal preference.
I realise that for some Jews and Muslims any form of artificial contraception is not considered permitted. However, some, otherwise observant individuals, will make a choice, for whatever reason, to use it.
My question is, in Islam and Judaisim, are there methods that are more acceptable than others? I know, for example that the rythm method probably won’t go down well with an Orthodox Jewish couple, but what would?
This is really not an area that can be generalized about - each case must be dealth with individually. Nonetheless, I’ll try to lay down a few guidelines.
Considering that in Orthodox Judaism a man and his wife cannot have sex for the first seven days after her period ends, the rhythm method is, indeed, out.
In general, the pill is better than barrier methods of contraception, simply because there is less of a problem with wasting semen.
Generally, an Orthodox Jewish couple will not simply “make the choice”, but ask their local Rabbi if there is room within Halacha to allow it. From your comments, it’s pretty clear you’d be surprised just how much room there is, though, as Zev said, it must be decided on an individual basis.
But if a Rabbi decides that the couple in question is allowed to use contraception, the general guideline is that any barrier on the man’s side (e.g., a condom) is forbidden, whereas almost any method on the woman’s side (pill, spermicidal foam, diaphragm) is permitted. Essentially, semen is not considered “destructively wasted” as long as the woman receives it.
Clearly forbidden is any “permanent” measure (tubal ligation, vasectomy).
Thanks, that’s sort of what I thought.
Is there any problem with methods of contraception which prevent implantation of a fertilised ovum (eg IUDs, emergency contraception, progesterone only pills).
These are seen by the Vatican as early abortifacients, but are not viewed as such by the majority of people or by the medical profession.
To the best of my knowledge and understanding, they would be like any other pills, i.e., permitted in whatever circumstance the Rabbi allows the couple to use contraceptives in general. However, I am not a rabbi, and cannot be 100% certain that there are no distinctions between pill types for Halachic purposes.
You have to remember that according to Jewish thought, married couples are allowed - even required - to have sex for pleasure, and not just procreation. The “wasting seed” prohibition still stands, but you’re allowed to commit the act even if you don’t plan on making a kid just yet.
So, say I had an Orthodox Jewish patient who I felt shold not become pregnant again for medical reasons.
Would my best course of action be to give her this information, and suggest she discuss it with her Rabbi. After which, I’d make another appointment for her and we could talk about what her options would be? Would that be the best direction to go?
Just out of idle curiosity, what is the background or justification for this being forbidden? I understand the spilled semen argument and how it may perhaps complicate the vasectomy issue, but why isn’t a tubal ligation (they do have failure rates, so aren’t 100%) in the same category as the BC pill or an IUD?
It’s not in the same category. The other measures are forbidden due to the spilled seed thing; vasectomy or tubal ligation are forbidden because it is forbidden to intentionally (functionally or completely) destroy parts of one’s body.
Zev can correct me if I’m wrong on this, but in cases where a woman’s health or life would be seriously endangered by pregnancy I believe most orthodox rabbis would be in favor of birth control under the rationale that preserving human life is a good thing in general. So if there’s a medical reason it’s a very different situation than if it’s strictly a matter of family planning.
In Islam, contraception of any form, so long as its reversible, is permitted. So, condoms, the cap, the pill are all OK, but a vasectomy, hysterectomy or tubal ligation is not.
Abortion is only permitted if the life of the mother is in danger, or if the child will be born with severe disabilities. It is not an acceptable form of birth control.
