Contraception, Morning After Pill, IVF & Artificial Reproduction
Thus the innate language that expresses the total reciprocal self-giving of husband and wife is overlaid, through contraception, by an objectively contradictory language, namely, that of not giving oneself totally to the other. This leads not only to a positive refusal to be open to life but also to a falsification of the inner truth of conjugal love, which is called upon to give itself in personal totality. . . . The difference, both anthropological and moral, between contraception and recourse to the rhythm of the cycle . . . involves in the final analysis two irreconcilable concepts of the human person and of human sexuality. CCC 2370.
“[D]espite their differences of nature and moral gravity, contraception and abortion are often closely connected, as fruits of the same tree.” Evangelium Vitae n. 13.
Important Church Documents:
Humanae Vitae, Pope Paul VI (1968).
Catholic Websites:
- Shea, Dr. John. "Church Teaching and Human Reproduction." Catholic Insight (Jun. 2009).
- "New Roman Catholic Church Document Equates IVF, Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis with 'Sin of Abortion.'" Medical News Today (Dec. 15, 2008).
Ecclesial Documents (Bishop/ Vatican):
- United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Pro-life Activities, "Morning After Pill"
- United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Pro-life Activities, "In Vitro Fertilization / Reproductive Technologies"
Articles:
Illinois Right to Life, "Contraception (Birth Control)"
Helen Alvare, “Assisted Reproductive Technologies and the Family.”
Janet Smith, “Contraception: Why Not?”
Archbishop O’Brien, “Humanae Vitae Part I,” published in the Catholic Review August 21, 2008.
Archbishop O’Brien, “Humanae Vitae Part II,” published in the Catholic Review August 28, 2008.
Archbishop O’Brien, “Humanae Vitae Part III,” published in the Catholic Review September 4, 2008.
Dates to Note:
Natural Family Planning Awareness Week Falls in July each year.
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