catholic church teachings contraception. catholic teachings sexual expression within marriage
Post on 26-Dec-2015
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The Bible
God commanded Adam and Eve to “be fruitful and multiply” – sex as a means of becoming co-creators with God
Marriage as a Covenant – something that cannot be broken (the Book of Hosea)
Sex within marriage was something to be celebrated (the Song of Songs)
The Catholic Church
Sex is the means of procreation – to fulfill God’s commandment to “be fruitful and multiply”
Sex is also a means for the expression of love between the husband and wife (church terms – unity of the couple)
Sexual intimacy is the complete giving of oneself to another – therefore it only belongs in a committed, loving marriage relationship
The Catholic Church does not teach that a couple must have as many children as they possibly can
Limiting the number of children and timing when you have children is a decision that belongs solely to the couple involved
The Catholic Church does teach that certain methods used to limit or space the number of children are immoral or, in some cases, seriously sinful
History
Various means of contraception have been around since ancient times – but most were ineffective
Rubber condoms were invented in the 17th century
The first really effective method of contraception available for most women was the Rhythm Method (early 20th century)– but giving out knowledge about it was illegal in many countries!
The Birth Control Pill first became available in 1960
Abortifiacients
Any method that destroys life after conception takes place
Generally prevent the implantation of the fertilized ovum on the uterine wall
Includes the IUD A small copper or rubber device implanted inside the
uterus About 95% effective Not recommended for women who have not yet had
children Has some serious possible side-effects
Many hormonal methods are also abortifacients
Hormones
Various combinations of the hormones estrogen and progestin suppress ovulation and/or cause changes in the uterine environment that prevents implantation of the fertilized ovum
Includes the various types of birth control pills, inserts (such as Implanon), injections (Depo Provera), vaginal rings (NuvaRing) and skin patches
Reliability ranges from 91 to 99% - with the most reliable being ones that do not rely on the woman to remember to do something every day
Cannot be used by women with high blood pressure, migraines, are diabetic, or are taking anti-convulsant medications. Women over 35 who smoke should not use hormonal contraceptives.
May not be effective on women taking certain types of antibiotics
Can be prescribed to alleviate other types of gynecological problems
Cost depends on type, but ranges between $200 and $400 a year. It may be covered by insurance.
Barrier Methods
Prevent the sperm from reaching the egg, thus preventing contraception
Includes the condom – currently the only contraceptive for men (84% effectiveness)
For women includes the diaphragm, the contraceptive cap, the sponge and certain types of spermicides
The condom, the sponge and spermicides do not require a prescription
Effectiveness ranges between 80 – 94%
Sterilization
An operation that: Prevents the sperm from entering the seminal fluid in
men Prevents the ovum from entering the Fallopian Tube in
women
Is permanent and nearly 100% effectiveIs becoming increasingly popular among
couples who have all the children they wantIs expensive (especially for women) but is
often covered by insuranceIs generally considered not to be reversible
Natural Family Planning (NFP)
Is not the Rhythm Method!Uses the woman’s natural fertility cycles to
decide when to have intercourseRequires some training and the cooperation of
both spousesCan be used to help get pregnant when the
couple is ready to have a childCost: the cost of a BBT thermometer and the
initial classes (usually less than $100)Side effects: noneEffectiveness: 98% for Sympto-Thermal Method
when used correctly and consistently
The Bible
Contraceptive methods were available in the ancient world
Contraception is not specifically mentioned because the Biblical Jews believed that all children were a gift from God – it was not conceivable to them that anyone would want to prevent the birth of a child
Abortion came under the prohibition of murder, although a child in utero was only considered to be alive after it “quickened”
Early Church
All sexual acts that did not involve the conception of children were condemned
Abstaining from sexual relations was the only method approved of to prevent conception
The Modern Church
Casti Connubii – (1930) – Pope Pius XI Stresses the sanctity of marriage Sex within marriage is both for procreation and to
promote the love (unity) between husband and wife Allows the “Rhythm Method” of contraception
Humanae Vitae (1969) – Pope Paul VI Each act of sexual love between husband and wife must
be open to both the unitive and procreative principles Recognizes that couples do have good reasons to
postpone or to space the births of children Is the current Church teaching
Familiaris Consortio (1981) – Pope John Paul II Document deals with family life in general – only a short
portion talks about contraception Reiterates the teaching of Humanae Vitae (in light of
new contraceptives) A refusal of the couple to be open to the creation of new
life in each act of sexual intercourse leads to a “falsification to the inner truth of conjugal love. . . .”
Pope Benedict XVI homily on anniversary of Humanae Vitae (9/0/08) Contraception “means negating the intimate truth of
conjugal love, with which the divine [gift of life] is communicated”
The Church divides contraceptives into three categories:
AbortifacientsArtificial MethodsNatural Methods
Abortifacients
Any methods that destroys life after conceptionIncludes:
Abortion at any stage of the pregnancy Emergency contraceptives (“Morning After Pill”) IUD Any type of hormonal method that changes the lining of
the uterus so that a fertilized ovum cannot be implanted
The use of an abortifacient is seriously sinful in all circumstances and can result in excommunication
Artificial Methods
Any method that works against the body’s natural rhythm of fertility/infertility
Includes: Hormonal methods, including the Birth Control Pill Barrier Methods, including the condom Sterilization
Artificial methods are morally illicit – meaning that they should not be used by Catholics and their use can be considered sinful
Methods used for medical reasons, even though they also prevent conception, are legitimate
Natural Methods
Any method that works with a woman’s natural fertile/infertile cycle to prevent conception
Includes: The Calendar Method (Rhythm) The Basil Body Temperature Method (BBT) The Sympto-Thermal Method
Natural Methods are morally acceptable to postpone the birth of one’s first child, to space the births of children and to have no more children when the family is complete
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