Q&A: Wasted Seed
Wasted Seed
Question
When a woman has an intrauterine device or any other form of contraception, is that considered wasted seed, and why?
Answer
When there is an IUD, intercourse cannot produce a child. True, intercourse that does not produce a child is permitted with one’s wife (for example, on days when she is not ovulating), but here we are dealing with a permanent situation and not a one-time case. In this question, each case has to be considered on its own merits. It is impossible to lay down a sweeping, universal principle.
Discussion on Answer
If she is not his wife, then plainly this is wasted seed. If he does this regularly with his wife, then maybe as well.
If I am not mistaken, intercourse in the normal manner with one’s wife is never considered wasted seed. This is no different from a woman who cannot give birth, where there is no prohibition against having relations with her, even if it is known that she is barren and will never be able to give birth.
That is exactly why I wrote that each case has to be considered on its own merits. If there is no way for her to give birth, then he is permitted to have relations with her in order to fulfill the conjugal obligation. But when she is able to give birth and has a permanent IUD, common sense suggests that this is a different situation.
What does “each case has to be considered on its own merits” mean?
What are the criteria for whether this is forbidden or permitted?