Do Amish use birth control?

Asked by: Genesis Hirthe  |  Last update: July 22, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (6 votes)

Birth control and abortion are forbidden by religious doctrine, even when pregnancy is life threatening. The Amish church has no rule against immunization, but only 16-26% of Amish children have received immunizations against the common childhood diseases.

Are Amish allowed to use condoms?

Old Colony Mennonites, as with the Old Order Amish, do not officially allow birth control practices.

How does Amish prevent pregnancy?

Amish couples can abstain from sexual intercourse or use contraception during the fertile window to prevent pregnancy. This method can be effective if used correctly and consistently, but it requires high commitment and discipline to track temperature accurately and unfailingly.

How do Amish people give birth?

Amish women give birth at home in a more natural way with the assistance of their family and midwives.

How do Amish deal with infertility?

“Amish women consider infertility as God's will” Johnson-Weiner said. However, members of the community respond by encouraging these women to “Submit to God's will and do your best to follow God's plan” even allowing these women in some communities to adopt children.

How big are Amish families? Do Amish use birth control? And...the largest Amish family ever?

21 related questions found

How common is inbreeding in Amish?

There is a high degree of inbreeding, resulting in a high frequency of recessive disorders, many of which are seen rarely or are unknown outside of this population. Extensive genealogical records are available, and the average family size is large.

Do Amish mothers breastfeed?

Educated and supported Amish women to breastfeed; the breastfeeding success rate (defined as the percentage of babies still breastfeeding by six weeks of age) was 83% in the first year and 100% in the second year.

Do Amish have social security numbers?

One consequence of observing these and other core beliefs is that the Amish refrain from accepting Social Security and Medicare benefits, and in some cases from even obtaining a Social Security number, at least until later in life.

Do the Amish have SIDS?

Researchers said the gene's failure was the cause of 21 infant deaths over two generations of nine Amish families. “Clearly, this gene, when faulty, causes sudden infant death in the Amish,” said Erik Puffenberger, a geneticist at the Clinic for Special Children in Strasburg.

What is Amish life expectancy?

they don't. The average life expectancy of the amish is 70 years, while the general us population is 79 years. They may get less cancer and other diseases, but it may be because they do not live as long.

How many times a week do Amish bathe?

In summer, conservative Amish tend to bathe at least twice weekly to eliminate dirt and sweat. The women may bathe more frequently and keep the home clean as well. New Order Amish may bathe more frequently than the Swatzentruber order, taking advantage of running water for showers or baths.

What age do Amish get married?

Evidence indicates that many Amish marriages occur at a young age, often during their late teens and early twenties. Order” Sect in Central Illinois (Decatur, Ill.: published by author, 1971), 98-9.

What is the syndrome that the Amish have?

One form of dwarfism, Ellis-van Creveld syndrome, involves not only short stature but polydactyly (extra fingers or toes), abnormalities of the nails and teeth, and, in about half of individuals, a hole between the two upper chambers of the heart. The syndrome is common in the Amish because of the "founder effect."

What do Amish brides do on wedding night?

In some groups, the parent's will give their newlyweds their first bedroom suite, handmade by the family or by another craftsman in the community. The young couple will typically sleep in the parent's home the first night.

What is the average size of an Amish family?

Most Amish families have an average of 7 kids, and most children are given chores starting at the age of 4 or 5. For the most part, Amish boys work alongside their fathers doing outside chores, while the girls stay inside doing housework with mom.

Do Amish drink alcohol?

Some Amish drink alcohol in moderation, while others may abstain completely. Some Amish people drink alcohol for medicinal purposes, like homemade dandelion wine, while others may prohibit it altogether.

What colors can Amish not wear?

You will never see patterns on any of their clothing and all of the men's suits, and the women's dresses, are all plain colored. The rules require that only solid colors can be used and the colors typically consist of black, blue, burgundy, brown, purple, or green.

Do Amish girls go barefoot?

One intriguing aspect of Amish culture is the practice of Amish girls going barefoot. While this may seem unusual to outsiders, there are fascinating reasons behind this choice. Amish girls go barefoot primarily due to cultural and religious beliefs that prioritize simplicity, humility, and a connection with nature.

Do Amish celebrate Christmas?

Because Christmas is so important to the Amish community, it is celebrated for two days. On December 25th, they meditate and read scripture at their home. December 26th, or “Second Christmas” they celebrate with family and friends with festive gatherings They have great feasts and exchange practical gifts.

Can Amish talk to non Amish?

Most Amish people enjoy talking with outsiders, if they don't feel like they are regarded as animals in the zoo. In some Amish communities shops and attractions may not be open on Sundays, so be sure to call ahead and plan accordingly.

How do Amish people buy guns?

Aside from the ID issue, an Amish person can buy any kind of gun he wants… though most will avoid handguns.

Can Amish get divorced?

In Amish communities, divorce is not acceptable or authorized by the Amish church. When an Amish man seeks divorce, he must leave the Amish faith, resulting in him being excommunicated. On the other hand, the remaining spouse will not be allowed to remarry until the other one passes.

Do Amish girls get pregnant during Rumspringa?

Rumspringa is a period that begins at age sixteen and ends with the promise of baptism, during this period young Amish are exposed to the outside world. Another problem the Amish community faces during the Rumspringa period is unexpected pregnancy.

Is there inbreeding in Amish?

Amish represent a collection of different demes or genetically closed communities. Since almost all Amish descend from about 500 18th-century founders, genetic disorders that come out due to inbreeding exist in more isolated districts (an example of the founder effect).