Halachic Implications of Condom Availability in Jewish Community Centers

Publication Date: September 1996

Publisher: Jewish Communal Service Association of North America

Author(s): Steven Schauder

Research Area: Culture and religion; Social conditions

Keywords: Jewish Values; Jewish Organizations; Health

Type: Report

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

From the Fall of 1994 until the Spring of 1995, the Board of Governors of the JCC MetroWest struggled with the issue of allowing its youth workers to make condoms available to teens in crisis. The board ultimately decided against making condoms available, choosing to establish a firm policy on the importance of contraceptive education. This article examines the issues presented to the board and some of the halachic implications of the discussion. It also addresses some of the perceived conflicts between Jewish and social work values that could affect the determination of whether a condom should ever be made available to a teenager.

In Journal of Jewish Communal Service, v.73 no.1, Fall 1996.