Category: Birth Control

What does ‘responsible parenthood’ mean?

Question: Dear Father, We are a Catholic couple with three beautiful children, and we wish to have more. However, when we mention this to other couples who are our friends—also Catholic—they tell us that this is not responsible parenthood. Could you clarify this concept for me? Does it mean we

Does tubal ligation have medical consequences?

Question: Dear Father: My wife and I, due to problems that are not relevant to explain, do not want to have more children, and for this reason we have decided to resort to a definitive method. I understand that sterilization (tubal ligation) is not accepted by the Church, but aside

Is it true that contraceptives lead to fewer abortions?

Question: It is said, as an argument in favor of birth control pills, that their use decreases the number of abortions and that, therefore, we should at least tolerate them as a lesser evil. What are your thoughts on this? Response: I reply with what Pope John Paul II has

Where is the true respect for women?

Question: Dear sirs: I believe that many laws exist that are not applicable to modern life and that should be updated by the hierarchy of the Church. I am very concerned about contraception. As a married woman, I believe I have the right to decide my life; I don’t think

Can there be a conflict of duties between the conscience of spouses and the doctrine of the Magisterium?

Question: In matters of conjugal morality, in family planning, is it valid and correct to apply the conflict of duty (the conflict situation) to validate the use of artificial birth control methods? This situation could arise in two cases: a) Those involved, after trying to form their conscience as adequately

Do contraceptives have side effects?

Question: Do contraceptives have side effects? Answer: New studies show growing concern WASHINGTON, Saturday, January 15th, 2005 (Zenit.org) – While governments and family planning organizations continue to support contraceptives, new evidence is emerging about dangerous side effects. In England, the Children’s Minister, Margaret Hodge, said she was in favor of

Is Contraception a Grave Sin?

Question: When going to confession, a priest told me that contraception is a grave sin. At the time I did not dare to ask him if it was always a mortal sin, or if in some cases it was only a venial sin. Could you answer this? Answer: I must

Is it morally licit to have a tubal ligation, or is it preferable to use contraceptives?

Question: Thank you for allowing us to access your website and for lending yourself to our consultations. Is it morally licit for a married woman with three children to have a tubal ligation? She does not want to have more children because their financial situation is very difficult, and since

Is there any natural method to regulate the birth rate?

Question: I am writing this letter to ask you a question, hoping that you will help me with this concern. I have been married for a year and four months, and, after a month of marriage, God gave us the most beautiful blessing that He can give to a married

What is emergency contraception?

Question: I have heard a lot of talk, including within Catholic publications, about “emergency contraception.” Forgive my ignorance, but can you explain to me what it is? Answer: The term ‘emergency contraception’ indicates a set of practices used to prevent an eventual unwanted pregnancy, using methods which act to counteract