I like to point out that even Pope Paul 6 in Humanae Vitae did recognize and accept some of the developments in our present understanding of Human Sexuality.
He recognized and acknowledged that it is according to the Laws of Nature (Natural Law) for humans that conception is possible only when the ovum is released and is present to be fertilized.
Yet sexual intercourse is permissable anytime in the woman’s cycle/ He even recommended that as a means of achieving “Responsible Parenthood”. In effect, he contradicts himself when he allows that a couple can be morally allowed to engage in sexual intercourse at a time when they have (hopefully) carefully planned and fully intend that their intercourse cannot lead to conception, and therefore is not “open to the transmission of life”.
Eventually, I contend, Humanae Vitae itself will come to be seen as the basis for a development in Church Doctrine.
If the Virtue of Prudence requires the practice of Responsible Parenthood, then the means to achieve it must be available and used. People, generally, have had the sense enough to realize that fact.
That gives the basis for claing “Contraceptive Rights are Women’s Rights are Human Rights.”
Today many are even claiming “Reproductive Rights” as following from the moral obligation to practice Prudence and Responsible Parenthood.
I can at least understand the reasoning. It asserts the right of the parents, especially the woman, to choose and decide which conception will be brought to term. If some 40% of conceptions are “aborted” by nature in miscarriage, then deliberately causing a “miscarriage” by abortion is not that much different.
Catholis will likely find that reasoning hard to accept, with all of our “murder” language; but we at least ought to be able to recognize that our “Responsible Parenthood” is the basis for seeing and claiming “Reproductive Rights”.{jcomments on}
In the matter of contraception practices we see the change in teaching already in the process from bottom up. When women have full human rights the data are clear, the majority will opt for effective birth control.
Contraceptive Rights are Women’s Rights are Human Rights.
Women will assert the use of birth control to prevent inception when they have the power and choice … this will be the new Catholic teaching on contraception in a reformed Church.
Limits on aborting what is to become human life post conception dependent to issues of women’s health and well being.
I believe Jesus would approve this message.
JanStephen {jcomments on}
My wife and I were happily married throughout her life. We were blest with seven children who, with our 23 grandchildren, are the joy of our life. It was tough going at times, and our attempts to regulate the number of children by “natural” means were anything but! We tried the temperature and calendar methods based on the so-called safe period and found in our case that, far from safe, they made us feel as though we were monitoring a disease, not looking forward to spontaneous love-making. When our seventh child was on the way we discussed the matter with our outstanding Army padre who advised us that barrier contraception would be well justified in our circumstances and subjecting our family to avoidable tension by trying to stick to Church rules was too high a price to pay for peace in the lives of us and the children. Notwithstanding Humane Vitae we took his advice: he was our shepherd on the spot and knew the full story. We and of course our children continued living our Faith in joy, with no question of abstaining from our essential spiritual food, the Eucharist. They now all have children of their own and love God, each other, their brothers and sisters and their neighbour as well as God’s grace makes it possible for us.{jcomments on}
In December of 1967, I had been married 3 years and gave birth to my 3rd child. Each one of the 3 was premature and birthweight less. This 3rd baby weighed 3 lb 12,oz and spent 1 month in the hospital before coming home. Meanwhile I had a 2 year old and 1 year old, who wasnt even walking to care for ! I was nearly frantic with the thought of another pregnancy and preemie. The use of new oral contraceptive pills saved me and my family!{jcomments on}
I would like to see some clarity on this Matter which I will let explain during my post:
I am single and a practicing Catholic. I have studied theology to look at the way in which I practice my faith. However I feel disconnected with the church because of my personal situation and the church position on artifical contraception and use of HRT AND HORMONES.
I have a long term medical problem called endometriosis and to date there is no cure for it just a variety of treatments to manage this very painful condition which include strong pain relieving drugs, surgery and the use of hormones like the contraceptive pill and other hormone injections which puts me into a fake menopause. When in this state I need HRT Tablets to protect my hormones as I am under the age of 40 years. I will likely need If to fulfill my role as a woman which according to the hutch is to procreate new life.
I feel that with the church position on these vital drugs I am condemned to heLloyd because the church says I am not allowed to use them if I wish to practice my faith.
Yes I know contraceptives can be used for medical purposes but when you hear the church speaking about this it refers to all use of these matters and doesn’t distinguish between using these products for medical purposes and using these products for preventing kids from being born. I would never use these drugs to stop myself from having kids as it isy biggest desire to have kids. However endometriosis can rob women of their quality of life and their fertility.
I think that there must be clearer definitions of when women can use the above mentioned products and for the right reasons.
As a practicing Catholic I feel it’s my duty to have kids as laid down many centuries ago and in the bible. I believe I should have then right to use IVF to conceive be that in married or single life for the following reasons:
(01). If Gaydon and Lebanon women/MEN ARE ALLOWED RO COND IVE why not me as a straight woman who needs medical treatment and there is a chance I may find Mr rift and get married
(02). If I were married before having kids and wanted to have kids and this endometriosis stole my handed to have kids how as a couple would we fulfil our marital duties to procreate. IVF is then answer to this solution.
After that it is not up to the church to tell women what to do or take as they are not God and they may say no tI using these drugs and IF when they meet their maker then they will find out if heir judgement is right or wrong.
Another thought I have is more a general theological debate rather than release ane to my situation if God didn’t want people to use contraceptives, HRT and IVF then why did he allow people to create them in the first place.{jcomments on}