Catholic Debate on Use of Contraceptives in Marriage

Contraception is strongly condemned by the Roman Catholic Church, but most Catholic Christians around the world utilize or feel compelled to use it. As a result, the Catholic Church is divided on whether contraception is morally permissible (Judge 33). Pope Paul VI articulated and clearly clarified the Roman Catholic perspective on the use of birth control in the early 1960s. Natural family planning methods, he claims, are morally acceptable in a variety of situations since they do not contradict the natural mode of contraception (33). In this case, natural methods include: abstaining from sex, rhythm method that involves engaging in sexual intercourse when a woman cannot conceive depending on her menstrual cycle, and body function that requires couples to analyze temperature pattern to determine when chances of conceiving are low (Noonan and John).

On the other hand, Catholic Church believes that use of artificial conceptive is intrinsically evil and goes against God’s purpose of creating sex (LeMaire & William 2065). Over the past years, cases of failed or frustrated marriage as a result of using natural methods are common. Although there have been several committees appointed to discuss the use of contraceptives, the Catholic church still stands firm against it. The questions still remains “is it right or wrong to use contraceptives. (2067)”

In my opinion, the use of contraceptives is wrong, and the church should stand firm against it. In justification of my position, the bible is very clear on issues concerning sex and love in marriage According to Bible teachings, God created sex solely for the purpose of procreation (2066). Therefore, sex is designed by nature for begetting children (Noonan Jr et al). Use of contraception is gravely and prevents the sovereign role God which was the transmission of life to human beings. Also, any conjugal act that is exercised out of lustful pleasure is a purposeful sin against nature. For these reasons, sex cannot naturally be separated from reproduction, and use of contraception breaks the connection (Le Maire & William 2065).

Secondly, natural method of birth control tends to honor our bodies and natural fertility cycles as opposed to contraceptives that manipulate the body to suit human preference. Therefore, natural method makes sexual act holy according to God’s purposes for marriage (2068). It also allows married couples to love and fully embrace one other with body and soul without any hindrance. It creates marital intimacy between couples. On the other hand, Couples using contraceptives lack to give each other a real gift of them as they hold back part of the gift that comes with intercourse act (2069).

Use of artificial contraceptives may encourage immorality among Christians and infidelity for married couples (Judge 33). Naturally, human beings have weakness and are easily exposed to temptation especially the youth. Therefore, the church should encourage them to uphold moral laws. In contrary, use of artificial contraceptives encourages and makes its easier to break the law. Regular use of artificial contraceptives can make men to no longer see women as their partners and helpers but rather instruments for leisure and personal gratification (Judge 33). On the other hand, it encourages women to become highly promiscuous and defile Gods teaching of treating their body as the temple of God.

In conclusion, artificial contraception is intrinsically evil when used with a motive of preventing reproduction. God has given married couples a natural family planning method which is healthy and spiritually enriching. Besides this, married couple should understand that sexual relation in marriage is a way of expressing love for each other, and strengthen emotional and spiritual bonds between them.

Works Cited

Judge, Tom. “A Catholic Perspective on the Department of Health and Human Services Mandate

concerning Contraception.” DePaul J. Health Care L. 15 (2013): 33.

LeMaire, William J. “The roman catholic church and contraception.” International Journal of

Reproduction, Contraception, Obstetrics and Gynecology 5.6 (2017): 2065-2068.

Noonan Jr, John T., and John Thomas Noonan. Contraception: A history of its treatment by the Catholic theologians and canonists. Harvard University Press, 2012.