Traditional Jewish law strictly prohibits the wasting of seed, viewing reproductive potential as a sacred obligation, which under mainstream halakhic rulings generally restricts the use of barrier methods like condoms. Birth control methods that do not obstruct natural marital relations, such as hormonal pills taken by the woman, are often viewed with greater leniency by rabbinical authorities when family planning is medically or psychologically warranted. However, exceptions regarding barrier methods can occasionally be made by specific rabbis under rare circumstances involving severe health risks or disease prevention.