Sterilisation – Ask the Rabbi
Q. Does Judaism agree with female sterilisation?
A. The Talmud and Codes of Jewish Law refer to a “cup of roots” which causes temporary sterilisation. This may have some affinity with modern methods of oral contraception.
Permanent sterilisation is permitted only for imperative medical reasons, but it may be performed only with the consent of the woman’s husband.
Sterilisation for social or economic reasons is not allowed.
Rabbinic opinion must be part of the decision-making process.
