Question:
When does Shariah permit a woman to use contraceptive pills for the purpose of raising young children?
Answer:
The use of contraceptive pills is generally not permissible, except in cases of extreme necessity. One such necessity would be if medical professionals determine that pregnancy could pose a serious threat to the woman’s life.
However, if a woman needs to space out pregnancies, there is no harm in using contraceptive pills, particularly in cases where:
① A woman’s health is too weak to endure repeated pregnancies in short intervals.
② A new pregnancy could harm the child she is currently nursing.
③ The pills do not permanently prevent conception but only delay pregnancy temporarily.
In such cases, using contraceptive pills is permissible to the extent of necessity, provided it is done under the supervision of a specialist doctor.
(Shaykh Salih bin Fawzan bin Abdullah حفظه الله)
