Catholics and Contraception
The present leadership of the Catholic Church maintains that any form of artificial birth control is sinful. Catholics are told that they may not use contraceptives in any circumstances.
The official Church is rightly concerned about the sanctity of marriage and respect for life. But their judgment on birth control is out of date. It contradicts the considered conclusions of theological research. It ignores the complicated challenges facing married couples in real life. It causes great harm to poor families in many parts of the world. Paradoxically, the total ban on contraceptives destroys the very values the Church is fighting for.
On this website we aim to publish findings that – hopefully – will support Catholic parents, doctors, teachers, nurses and social workers wherever they may be.
John Wijngaards
Why may Catholic couples, with a good conscience, decide to use contraceptives in their own circumstances?
1. |
 Parents should plan children according to their ability of fully supporting them. It is not the number of children that counts but the quality of life they will enjoy. |
For diagram click here! |
2. |
 Sexual union between partners in marriage serves more purposes than the production of children. The bonding between husband and wife brings stability to a family. |
For diagram click here! |
3. |
 There are special situations in which the use of contraceptives is not only allowed, but obligatory. This applies to cases where a person’s life needs to be protected. |
For diagram click here! |
4. |
 The traditional opposition to artificial means of birth control rests on mistaken assumptions. |
For diagram click here! |
5. |
 Disobeying the official Church’s instructions regarding birth control does not imply disrespect for Church authority as such. It implies a recognition that here, as it has on other issues in the past, the Church has not caught up with present-day knowledge. |
For diagram click here! |
6. |
 Parents can judge their own situation best – in all its material, psychological and social dimensions. They should follow their own consciences in deciding whether to use artificial birth control or not. |
For diagram click here! |
7. |
 Most church going Catholic parents in countries with a high level of education use contraceptives. Their example shows that a responsible use of contraception does not stand in the way of being good Catholics. |
For diagram click here! |