Yevamot 12: Birth Control for Girls

A short note on Yevamot 12b

The rabbis debate whether or not three categories of women can use birth control: minors, pregnant women and nursing women.  

They spend much time discussing minors, as these girls might lose their ability to refuse their husbands; they might be 'set up' to be in forbidden relationships.  There is talk of betrothal to infants, intercourse being fine with girls under age 11 or over age 12, and the benefits of the ability to get pregnant as a marker of sexual maturity.  There is no mention of the punishments for men who impregnate girls and put those girls or their children at risk.  

The women are said to be using absorbent cloths inserted into the vagina either before or after intercourse.  Again, there is no mention of men's responsibility to refrain from having intercourse with minors, pregnant women or nursing women.  

The notion that intercourse is a holy obligation can be a beautiful thing between two consenting partners.  But when that obligation forces men to rape girls without consequence to themselves, there is something terribly amiss.  

I can tolerate most of this ancient rites, rituals and practices with interest, wonder and incredulity.  But today's daf leaves me unable to reinterpret or apologize for the text.  It is simply unfathomable to treat girls with such little regard.