Contraception, Pregnancy, and Nursing
Hebrew
Three women use a mokh [a contraceptive absorbent]: a minor, a pregnant woman, and a nursing woman.
A minor—lest she become pregnant and die. Who is a minor? From eleven years and a day until twelve years and a day. Less than this or more than this [age], she has intercourse in her usual manner, and he should not be concerned [with any negative consequences].
A pregnant woman—lest she make her first fetus into a sandal [compressed fetus].
A nursing woman—lest she kill her child [i.e., her breast-milk supply will cease]. For R. Meir used to say: He “threshes” inside and “scatters” outside [i.e., coitus interruptus]. However, the sages say: He shall have intercourse in his usual manner, and he is guarded from heaven. For it is said: The Lord guards the simple (Psalm 116:6).
Translated by Markham J. Geller and Lennart Lehmhaus.
Published in: The Posen Library of Jewish Culture and Civilization, vol. 2: Emerging Judaism.
