Fasting – increased blood clotting
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Question
A woman with increased blood clotting (family history of heart attacks and blood clots), who is treated with blood thinners only during pregnancies – is she obligated to fast when she is not pregnant? And is there a difference between the various types of fasts, such as Ta’anit Esther, Yom Kippur, Tisha Be’Av, and the like?
Answer
Shalom and blessings
On Ta’anit Esther she is exempt from fasting.
On Tisha Be’Av and the other rabbinic fasts, she should follow the doctor’s instructions according to her condition at that time. If she is unable to fast fully, she should eat as usual (there is no "half-fast" for rabbinic fast days).
On Yom Kippur, in any case she must consult with a doctor regarding her exact medical needs: whether drinking alone is sufficient or she also needs to eat, and what amount of fluids she requires over the course of the day.
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