As leaders in our communities, it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest developments in the world around us. Recently, there have been significant discussions in the government regarding birth control policies, which may have wide-reaching implications. In the last few months, debates have intensified around access to birth control and reproductive health services.
Several legislative proposals are currently under consideration, reflecting a range of perspectives on this issue. Here are some examples:
- New York: Passed the Comprehensive Contraception Coverage Act, which requires health insurance plans to cover all FDA-approved contraceptives without co-pays.
- California: Has implemented laws to expand access to birth control, including over-the-counter availability without a prescription and state-funded programs to provide contraceptives at low or no cost.
- Texas: Recently passed legislation that imposes stricter regulations on contraceptive access, including restrictions on certain types of birth control and limitations on state funding for reproductive health services.
A Halachic Perspective: The Birth Control Patch
As the world debates matters of accessibility and affordability of contraception, the rabbinic community debates the myriad of halachic questions which arise from this topic. One example is the contraceptive patch, a small adhesive square worn on the body which delivers hormones through the skin into the bloodstream. Many woman claim the patch is more convenient than daily pills or a vaginal ring, and it can achieve 99% effectiveness with perfect use and around 94% with typical use.
As wonderful as the patch sounds, however, it certainly raises a few interesting halachic issues, such as:
- Removing the Patch on Shabbos: If a woman forgot to remove the patch before Shabbos, may it be taken off on Shabbos?
- Applying a New Patch on Shabbos: Can a new patch be placed on Shabbos?
- Chatzizah in the Mikvah: Does the patch constitute a chatzizah in the mikvah?
- Validity of Tevilah B’dieved: If the woman forgot to remove the patch and only realized after having relations, is her tevilah valid b’dieved?
PUAH posed these questions to Gedolei Yisroel.
Click HERE to read their responses.
[An excerpt from the new edition of Shu”t PUAH Volume 1]
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For close to 40 years, PUAH has provided Rabbanim with an address for all fertility related questions, as well as questions in the field of taharas hamishpacha, birth control, intimacy, genetics and more.
Please feel free to reach out to me personally and learn how PUAH can be a resource for you!
Wishing everyone bracha v’hatzlacha and a wonderful week,
Rabbi Elan Segelman
Rabbinic Director, PUAH USA
Esegelman@puahfertility.org | 718.336.0603 ext. 103