Contraception: The Morning After Pill

Hello Is plan b pill a halachic problem to take?

Shalom!

Thank you for your question

The pill you are referring to, known as “the morning after pill,” the “emergency pill,” and the “Plan B” pill are contraceptive pills which contain the drug levonorgestrel.

The pills work in a way that disrupts the menstrual cycle as needed, which will either, depending on when during the cycle the pills are taken, prevent ovulation, fertilization, or implantation. As an aside, each of these mechanisms have different halachic implications. For example, preventing ovulation is the least halachically problematic measure to take while preventing implantation of a fertilized embryo is the most problematic.

In an emergency, it is permitted to take these pills since it is uncertain whether conception has occurred at all. Furthermore, even if conception has indeed occurred, it would be considered an early abortion which is easier to permit. Indeed, as a general rule, until forty days have passed since conception, the fetus’s organs have not yet begun to form, and therefore it does not have the status of a fetus, but rather, as “mere water.” (Yevamot 69b).

It must be noted that the Plan B pill must be taken within 72 hours after relations and the sooner it is taken the more effective it will be. Women who take this pill should be prepared for side effects such as nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, and headaches. Irregular bleeding may occur for weeks after taking this pill and therefore one should take the normative precautions against becoming Nidda, such as wearing colored underwear when permitted, and the like.

This article does not address abortions or otherwise preventing or ceasing pregnancy after 72 hours.