Women
Contraception
Question
Hello, I am a newly married woman and at the moment I am worried about becoming pregnant because I have just been accepted for a new job. I wanted to know whether it is permitted under halacha to use contraception. If so, which methods of contraception may be used? I also wanted to know whether it is permitted under halacha to have marital relations in the form of withdrawal, or in any other way that does not lead to fertilization. I would appreciate it if you could answer my question.
Answer
Shalom u'vrachah
Withdrawal is absolutely forbidden, in every case. Delaying pregnancy for career reasons is forbidden. Delaying pregnancy for medical reasons is permitted only through pills or an intrauterine device, and not with a condom or withdrawal; these are forbidden in every situation and under every condition. Avoiding relations during the days of ovulation is the most recommended way to prevent pregnancy, but even in this way one may not nullify the mitzvah of being fruitful and multiplying for the sake of a career.
With blessings - Binyamin Shmueli
