Q&A: Talking about protected sex with a formerly religious daughter
Talking about protected sex with a formerly religious daughter
Question
Hello Rabbi,
My daughter has been formerly religious for less than a year (she is almost 18).
I’m debating whether to talk with her about protected sex. In religious schools they don’t talk about this, and I’m afraid she isn’t aware of the dangers of having sex without protection: both the danger of disease and the possibility of becoming pregnant. I’m aware of the halakhic problems involved in using contraception (the pill and especially condoms), but since she chose this path, I think my responsibility as a father is to talk with her about it. On the other hand, I’m worried that if I talk with her, she’ll understand from that that it’s obvious a formerly religious girl has sex, and that could make it easier for her to stumble, even though it’s clear to me that in any case it will happen at some point.
What does the Rabbi think? Should I talk with her or give her her space? And if so, how can I talk about it without giving the sense that it’s obvious to me she’ll get to that point?
Answer
Hello,
I am completely in favor of that kind of guidance. Nowadays it is unlikely that she will not find out on her own, and it doesn’t seem to me that specifically your words will be what reveals the issue to her.