RESOURCES:Jewish Perspectives

Rochelle Epstein - A Former Family Planning Foundation Course Member submitted the following summary of a presentation she made on the Module. This was Published in Community Forum Summer 2001:

The Orthodox Jewish attitude to Sex and
Family Planning

All sexual relationships outside marriage (including pre-martial sex) are forbidden, however sex between a husband and wife is considered vital as part of a loving relationship.

The home is the centre of Jewish life, and because man was commanded to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis) having children is very important in the Jewish religion and the use of any form of male contraception, including condoms, vasectomy and coitus interuptus is deemed unacceptable.

However where there is any threat to the physical, mental or emotional health of the woman a more lenient attitude is taken to the use of female contraception.
According to Jewish law the most preferred methods of contraception are those that do not interfere with the passage of the sperm (i.e. hormonal contraception and the IUD).

Since physical relations between husband and wife are forbidden during menstruation or during any bleeding emanating from the uterus and for seven days thereafter, it follows that any form of contraception which may cause bleeding such as the progesterone only preparations and IUDS can be problematic.

The preservation of life in Jewish law is paramount. That being so, abortion is not permitted unless the woman’s life is in danger.

NB – Orthodox is a relative term, but broadly speaking, in this context, it applies to orthodox Jewish couples who keep the laws of family purity. However when dealing with members of the orthodox community it is important not to make any assumptions.

Another viewpoint

See also Diverse Communities
from which the following quotation is taken (Page 7)
"Young people who identify strongly with a particular cultural or religious group have a range of responses to the idea of sexual activity before marriage. The following quotes, taken from a survey of young Jewish people (1997), demonstrate how diverse beliefs can be within the same faith.

‘Virginity is the most precious thing that someone can have and should be saved until one
is mature and ready for sex.’

‘Sex in a loving relationship, in my opinion, is a natural and good activity. However, people
younger than 16 are not mature enough to have sex and are not ready for it.’

‘I want to wait.’

‘I don’t want the obvious social and emotional problems.’

‘Why not? I wouldn’t dive in though; I wouldn’t want to go against the law.’

‘Question should not even need to be asked; see Bible for further guidance.’

(from a 1997 survey conducted by Chris Jennings, a youth worker for the Birmingham Jewish
Youth Trust)"

BACK TO RESOURCES INDEX

TOP

Finalist in British Female Inventor of the Year April 2003 Finalist in National Business Awards Entrepreneur Category 2003 A BFIY's Top 10 Woman Inventor and Innovator 2005 Finalist in 2005 E-Commerce ICT Innovators Awards- Health Category (DTI Interforum) Winner of 2006 Exceptional Exporter Award (UKTI, Chamberlink, Salford City Council)