By the Grace of G-d19th of Menachem Av, 5728Brooklyn, N.Y.
Mrs. . . .
Chicago, Ill. 60625
Blessing and Greeting:
I am in receipt of your letter in which you write of your discussions with your doctors about the advisability or otherwise of tying up the tubes. You also ask how this matter is viewed by the Shulchan Aruch.
It is not my custom to pasken shaalot and you would therefore in any case have to inquire of an orthodox Rav in your vicinity.
Nevertheless I will express some thoughts on this matter.
No doubt you realize, though surprisingly you make no mention of it, that tying up the tubes means permanent sterility. It cannot be undone even if a woman feels 100% well and willing to bear children. Thus, the question should be viewed under the aspect of it being an irreversible step.
No doubt you also heard from the other doctor that the fears are very much exaggerated, especially in a case concerning a person who trusts in G-d and adheres to the way of the Torah, Toras Chayim, being constantly aware that G-d’s benevolent Providence extends to each and everyone individually and that G-d is the Essence of Goodness and it is in the nature of the Good to do good. All of which leads to the conclusion which was so inspiringly expressed by King David in the Tehillim, “G-d is with me, I shall not fear,” etc.
In view of the above, I am not inclined to look with favor upon the idea of having the tubes tied up. However, as already mentioned, you should take the matter up with an orthodox and experienced Rav to hear a definite ruling in accordance with the Shulchan Aruch.
You do not mention anything about the various business matters which were discussed when you and your husband were here. I take it that everything is satisfactory.
I particularly appreciate the gratifying news which you write about the activities of the Neshei Chabad. I trust that you and all the friends you mention, and do not mention, will make ever growing endeavors in this direction, in accordance with the need of the hour and may you receive an ever growing measure of Divine blessings.
With blessing,
Notes and sources
For more on the Rebbe's advice concerning tubal ligation see S. B. Wineberg Healthy in Body Mind & Spirit (SIE, 2006), Vol. 2, pp. 191-193.
Published: The Letter and the Spirit, Vol 5 (Nissan Mindel Publications, 2019), 52.
Note: Letters printed in "The Letter and the Spirit" are from the Archives of Rabbi Nissan Mindel A"H, the Rebbe's personal secretary entrusted with writing up the Rebbe's orally dictated responses. The “Nissan Mindel Archives” are comprised of secretarial copies, including first drafts, and may have subsequently been published with editorial changes. Therefore the letters as they appear in the book may not be the final signed version.