Knowledge Base

Marriage and Divorce

Home / My husband is impotent. He cannot get a proper erection and has a low sperm count. I have had enough. Can I get a divorce under Jewish law because he is impotent ?

My husband is impotent. He cannot get a proper erection and has a low sperm count. I have had enough. Can I get a divorce under Jewish law because he is impotent ?

By: דיאנה שאלתיאלPublished on: 13 June, 2022
Yes, you could though impotency is a problematic ground under Jewish law. Firstly, aside from whether you already have children, whether by your present husband or whether from a previous marriage, you are entitled to intimate relations and sexual enjoyment with your current husband, who under Jewish law, has a marital obligation to fulfil you sexually. Today, with the advances in treatment of sexual problems, your husband’s impotency may be curable. If it is temporary, then you have no grounds for divorce but if suitable evidence is provided that his affliction is incurable, then you should be entitled to a divorce on this ground.

* We hope you find our website useful and easy to use. Please note, however, that the information provided on it is not a substitute for personal legal counselling which is available upon payment.

Skip to content