Birth Control
Question
My wife gave birth to a baby boy six months ago, and now she’s considering using birth control. Is it allowed, or would it be a problem because of the Passuk "ולערב אל תנח ידך"? If it is allowed, how long can she use it? (We already have a daughter as well, so we’ve fulfilled the mitzvah of "פרו ורבו".)
Answer
Shalom uVracha,
It is forbidden to use birth control without a valid reason, because of the principle you mentioned, “ולערב אל תנח ידיך” (as explained in Yevamos 62b).
Even after fulfilling the mitzvah of “פרו ורבו”, this mitzvah still continues.
However, in situations of weakness, difficulty, or other pressures, one should turn to a qualified Rav, present the circumstances, and receive proper guidance as to when and for how long it would be permitted.
Source
יבמות סב:
היו לו בנים בילדותו - יהיו לו בנים בזקנותו, שנא': בבקר זרע את זרעך ולערב אל תנח ידך כי אינך יודע אי זה יכשר הזה או זה ואם שניהם כאחד טובים.
Yevamos 62b:
“If a man had children in his youth, he should still have children in his old age, as it is stated: ‘In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening do not let your hand rest; for you do not know which will succeed, this one or that one, or whether both will be succeed.’”