Catholic FAQ #7: I use birth control. Can I come back to the Church?

[crazywaffleking]

If a married couple has children already and they don't wish to have any more, are they supposed to give up having sex?

[cheeselovingfoo]

The "abortion" definition in regards to birth control is debatable, because its where you draw you line for when an egg becomes a potential baby. The birth control that is being used every day, 99% of the time, it's before an egg is even fertilized. I think the best way to go about this is to ask the women in the church how they define what is "abortion" since it is their potential baby and bodies at risk. Honestly this is more about women health then moral decision.

[HalfAnAssSandwich]

I have a deep and committed love with my boyfriend but because I have not finished college and we don't have the money we do not want to rush a marriage just to appease the church. I don't know 1 catholic woman who isn't on or hasnt used birth control. If it was up to the church I would be sexually frustrated or have lots of children. Until I am economically stable I will use birth control.

[talisstercustauri]

If God really wanted you to have a baby, wouldn't he be powerful enough to make the birth control fail?

[rexkramer846]

I will not stand with the catholic church on this contraception issue. The catholic church is false religion that preaches another gospel. Then their institutions take federal monies for years and now when the government says it's time to scratch their back the catholic church cries foul and becomes they are the moralist on the issue of abortion and contraceptives? Sorry the catholic church brought this on themselves. A false religion, Repent and follow Jesus.

[squamish4244]

Birth control was one of the issues that came up for discussion in Vatican II. The Church's traditional stance was maintained at that time, but it would be naive to think the issue will not come up again.

[utubeaccount00]

designer kids and test tube babies, bahaha, how dare you sully the good institution of marriage!

[GarrettBrannonROCK]

Does this apply only to "The Pill" and hormonal birth controls, or does this include condoms and "pulling out" as well? (I am doing my best not to be crude, but bluntness is necessary sometimes.)

[dagreatthinker]

I can't help but laugh at people who honestly care about this and take it seriously. They are like kids who need to be good for Santa.

[beachgal200]

@dagreatthinker youre entitled to your opinion, but try to remember this is a religion, and for some a way of life.

[wObbLE0695]

this isnt normal anymore, we are really growing faster, faster than any mammals, were over taking the world we need to control this population, we cant stop it but we can reduce, use condoms and stuff, and the church? stuff you guys, you all dont need to tell us what to do, we control our own lives, and salvation doesnt depend on the church it depends on Jesus so dont tell us what to do and dont make us your slaves

[wwefantic7]

is it ok to use the pill for medical reasons?

[BigGrinStudios]

@wwefantic7 It is my understanding that the Church does not take a position on this, therefore leaving it up to personal conscience.

[emmyjo720]

The majority of practicing Catholics stop at two children, I do not believe it is all due to NFP..The stop at two children because they can not afford more or because they are content and the woman does not want to get pregnant again. Some women find the reality of pregnancy and child birth to be something they do not want to repeat..or maybe one child needs alot of extra attention....And what about medical reasons for The Pill, it has other benefits.

[ikinmoore]

This is the year 2012 yet the Catholic church is still in the Middle ages.

[fieldstonewall]

NFP. No drugs, greater intimacy, very effective. It's a simple, free solution to families that lack the resources to have another child.

[ikinmoore]

I am amazed that in this day and age the catholic Church still is against the pill. What right does any authority have in telling it's flock not to take a pill in order not to have children. It is all about a woman's choice !

[ChairmanWrog]

Does artificial birth control include condoms? Or are you just simply referring to the pill. If it does include condoms, is it wrong/a sin to use them?

[XxemohorrorxX]

What's the churches stance on adoption? As in, adopting a child? Oh and why not, even giving up a child to adoption services?

[BigGrinStudios]

@XxemohorrorxX God LOVES the orphan and, therefore, the Church is very pro-adoption. Adoption is a beautiful option for the mother who determines that she is not fit, for whatever reason, to raise her child. She is a true hero for believing in life and not terminating her pregnancy. Married couples that suffer from infertility can become parents through the gift of adoption. If it is in the best interest of the child, the Church absolutely supports the giving-up of a child to adoption services.

[emmyjo720]

@BigGrinStudios What if the chose adoption instead of having their own..Do they have to be infertile to make that option? Some women hate the idea of being pregnant or they have suffered too many miscarriages. The implication by you being that adopting a child is second best even to God..Giving a living child a better, loving home is less than giving birth even if that is difficult...

[BigGrinStudios]

@emmyjo720 Adoption is a BEAUTIFUL thing. We were blessed to adopt a son from Haiti 13 years ago. We did not pursue this because of infertility, but rather because we felt God call us to do so. Adopted children are as legitimate to a family as those that come biologically. Both are FIRST best. I wish more people would consider it. Millions of children around the world wait and long for a family to call them their own.

[goonodeath]

@BigGrinStudios No. Someone who knowingly brings a child into the poverty and strife of an orphanage is anything but a "hero."

The world is over-populated. There are thousands and thousands of unadopted kids. You are a moron for telling people to add to this number.

Terminating a pregnancy is a perfectly acceptable option when the embryo is just a clump of cells. Much more kind and considerate than birthing a baby and putting him in an orphanage.

[cristianfcao]

Birth control causes abortion? How's that?

[BigGrinStudios]

@cristianfcao The pill is a combination of two synthetic hormones: estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen impedes ovulation by making the woman’s body think it’s already pregnant. The amount of estrogen is so low, however, that “break through ovulation” occurs. This can result in conception. The progesterone was added to fix this by thinning the endometrium wall of the woman’s uterus so that a fertilized egg cannot implant and is therefore washed out with the woman’s period.

[Grace88Anderson]

birth control does not cause abortions and to say that it does is being either ill informed, OR willfully deceitful, and you don't look like an idiot to me, so that tells me all I need to know.

[BigGrinStudios]

@Grace88Anderson The pill is a combination of two synthetic hormones: estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen impedes ovulation by making the woman’s body think it’s already pregnant. The amount of estrogen is so low, however, that “break through ovulation” occurs. This can result in conception. The progesterone was added to fix this by thinning the endometrium wall of the woman’s uterus so that a fertilized egg cannot implant and is therefore washed out with the woman’s period.

[emmyjo720]

@Grace88Anderson That is one type of Pill... there are other kinds that prevent the womb lining from forming, it makes it impossible for the egg to fertilize..that is often given to women and teenage girls to control heavy periods which can be detremental to health...that is another aspect of birth control, it is used for other reasons. I am a Catholic and not on birth control but I have been before and know the different types and affects.

[albus4ever11565]

How does the church view birth control when it's used as medication by someone who is not married or sexually active?

[spinemelter2000]

If you're married and either you or your spouse is sterile, is it a sin to have sex with them?

[BigGrinStudios]

No. Sterility is really difficult to diagnose unless the reproductive organs have been removed. Oftentimes, for medical reasons, wives must undergo hysterectomies and married life goes on as before. But if a person is married and one of the spouses is in fact diagnosed as sterile, normal sexual activity is not only okay, but encouraged for a healthy marriage.

[emmyjo720]

@BigGrinStudios But if you chose to be sterilised because you don't want more children you still risk ex-communication, right?

[BigGrinStudios]

@emmyjo720 By choosing to be sterilized for the purpose of not having children, you risk something much greater than ex-communication from the Church; You put your soul in jeopardy. God always intended both pleasure and procreation to be the mutual result of human sexuality. We short circuit the latter when we intentionally cause sterilization.

[emmyjo720]

@BigGrinStudios I know good Catholics who have been sterilized because having another child would kill them...It seems that to some that is a price worth paying and in the Catholic Church a woman's life is not worth much once pregnant, nor are the her living children. I am thankful I am from a Parish that is more understanding than you are..I believe in a forgiving loving God...Sometimes giving birth can do the body long lasting damage...You as a man can not possibly imagine it.

[BigGrinStudios]

@emmyjo720 The woman is God's "crown jewel of creation". She is to be valued and held in the highest esteem. I am a father of eight. My wife is THE greatest treasure in my life. If a woman's life is truly in jeopardy, than by all means, she should take the necessary steps (with good medical and spiritual consultation) to make a decision that will protect HER life. I'm glad you are in a compassionate parish that communicates the truth of God's love and forgiveness. We need more of them.

[TheHugeRedButton]

@spinemelter2000

Why would it be? You're just showing your partner your love, and doesn't God love everybody and wants them to be happy and loving to each other?

[MoDeeSeventyThree]

@spinemelter2000 not to make light of your question; but what about a situation where a you have a husband who doesn't love his wife, they are both sterile and he wants to have sex with her because he has desires; divorce is frowned upon by the church and he wouldn't be having sex to procreate or to bring him closer to his spouse in a loving way...he just wants his desires fulfilled....what is he supposed to do?