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Prohibition of Castration
#1
Suppose a man is told my his doctor that cysts have been found on both of his testicles. He is told that the cysts need to be checked more thoroughly, as there is a chance they could develop into malignant tumors (cancer). He knows cancer has struck several members of his family, including both parents. He is married but has never fathered any children.
If he is told that removing the testicles could save his life (but would render him sterile), is he permitted to agree to such a procedure, or is it forbidden due to the Noahide commandment against voluntary sterilization or man or beast?
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#2
Briefly, any man in this situation [that a malignant tumor is found on a testicle] is OBLIGATED to have the testicle removed, if that is what his expert doctors determine is necessary for healing him and preserving his health. Specific questions on a case-by-case basis [especially if it is not a clear, straightforward medical decision] may be submitted to a reliable Orthodox Rabbi for his ruling.

The Torah law that prohibits elective surgical sterilization of Gentile men and boys is part of the Noahide prohibition against *unnecessary* (i.e. not medically necessary) bodily injury. See "The Divine Code," 2nd Edition, Part 5, Chapter 9.

The Torah law that prohibits Gentiles from *needless* surgical sterilization of male animals is part of the prohibition of causing *unnecessary* pain or suffering to animals. The criteria by which it can be considered necessary are explained in "The Divine Code," Vol. 1, 2nd edition, Part 4, Chapter 7.
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#3
Smile 
Shalom Rabbi Schulman:
Thanks for the post. My wife discussed vasectomy with me and wanted me to get it done because when we lay together without condoms (2 out of 2 times) she gets pregnant. We feel we don't have the resources for a third baby. Your post helps me with my decision (which is what I was leaning towards because I don't like pain). Also, I believe Noahides are expected to have unprotected sex unless the Noahides have one boy and one girl. We have one boy and one girl. Yeah!!

Agent T


The Torah law that prohibits Gentiles from *needless* surgical sterilization of male animals is part of the prohibition of causing *unnecessary* pain or suffering to animals. The criteria by which it can be considered necessary are explained in "The Divine Code," Vol. 1, 2nd edition, Part 4, Chapter 7.
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#4
Thank you for your post! There are two points that need to be corrected:

(07-11-2011, 10:37 AM)Agent T Wrote: Also, I believe Noahides are expected to have unprotected sex unless the Noahides have one boy and one girl.  We have one boy and one girl.  Yeah!!

For Noahides, and all Gentiles,

(1) it is not forbidden to use a condom during marital intercourse. Please see our forum thread on contraceptives:
https://asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=21

(2) they are not commanded that they must have children, or that they must have children before using contraceptives (although having and properly raising children is a benefit to the world and a righteous act that helps to fulfill G-d's objective for the world).

These issues are explained in more detail in "The Divine Code," 2nd Edition, by Rabbi Moshe Weiner.
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