Birth control has been widely accepted and promoted in modern times. This is normalized and becomes a trend that people can easily access various contraceptions that are available even over the counter without considering the peril it brings to one’s soul. In this blog post, we will discuss one of the most frequent questions, can Catholics use birth control? We will delve into the comprehensive teachings of the Church for your guidance.
Catechism
Let’s start with what the Catechism has to say regarding birth control.
2399 The regulation of births represents one of the aspects of responsible fatherhood and motherhood. Legitimate intentions on the part of the spouses do not justify recourse to morally unacceptable means (for example, direct sterilization or contraception).
The Catechism is clear about it, contraception is immoral.
2370 Periodic continence, that is, the methods of birth regulation based on self-observation and the use of infertile periods, is in conformity with the objective criteria of morality. These methods respect the bodies of the spouses, encourage tenderness between them, and favor the education of an authentic freedom. In contrast, “every action which, whether in anticipation of the conjugal act, or in its accomplishment, or in the development of its natural consequences, proposes, whether as an end or as a means, to render procreation impossible” is intrinsically evil.
However, it supports Natural Family Planning as it respects the intended design for marital love.
Biblical Reference
Now that we discussed the teachings of the Catholic Church in accordance with the Catechism, let’s proceed to the scriptural reference.
“Then Judah said to Onan, “Have intercourse with your brother’s wife, in fulfillment of your duty as brother-in-law, and thus preserve your brother’s line.
Onan, however, knew that the offspring would not be his; so whenever he had intercourse with his brother’s wife, he wasted his seed on the ground, to avoid giving offspring to his brother.
What he did greatly offended the Lord, and the Lord took his life too.”
This birth control known as the withdrawal or pulling out method is explicitly mentioned in the bible. Since it is against the natural law, it is a crime punishable by death.
Using Birth Control as a Sin
The above references emphasized the teaching of the Church regarding contraception.
To answer the question, Can Catholics use Birth Control?
No, Catholics cannot use birth control as it is against the natural law. It breaks the procreative and unitive dimensions of the marital act. Intentionally interfering with the natural openness to life, violating God’s design for human sexuality.
If you used or are using contraceptives, confessing it is a must to receive Communion for it is a grave matter.
Conclusion
As the world is consistently evolving, artificial means of living will soon be introduced undermining the natural ways. More contraceptives other than condoms, pills, and implants will be available and accessible. That said, the Catholic Church will remain firm in its stance no matter what. As people subscribe to the contraception trend, we Catholics should be vigilant. Always learning what the Church teaches, getting closer to her as the bride of Christ. Avoid what is immoral and please God, always.
Loving Mother, please help us to be holy.