However, it can be a bit lengthy for some folks. So I've decided to give it the same treatment I give the Epistles in my book, Too Long Didn't Read. Today I'll be reducing Humanae Vitae down to 1/5 its size for those who want to dip their toes in.
Part I: New Questions Arise
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The transmission of human life has always been a source of joy and responsibility for married couples. Recent trends have raised new questions related to this task.
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Many of these questions stem from fears of overpopulation. These fears can tempt governments to take harsh actions against families. There have also been new understandings of the role and dignity of women, as well as the place of conjugal love in marriage. But most of all, we’ve seen rapid advancement in humanity’s ability to control fertility through technology.
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These concerns have led some to ask, “Are the Church’s teachings on procreation too difficult to incorporate into modern family life? Would it not be possible for a couple to adhere to the principle of ‘openness to life’ in an overall way, while still using contraception to plan the family?”
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The Church must fulfill her teaching role by answering these questions utilizing both natural law and divine revelation. She must also consider the natural and spiritual aspects of the human person.
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A commission was created to study these questions and make recommendations.
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We thank the commission for its work. However their recommendations should not be considered an authoritative answer. That task falls to us.
Part II: Doctrinal Principles
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Those who have attempted to justify the use of contraception have appealed to the value of married love and the principle of responsible parenthood. Both of these are important, but must be rightly understood.
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Married love is not the result of blind forces of nature. It is a gift from God. He willed it to be the means through which spouses cooperate with Him by sanctifying themselves and begetting and raising children. This is particularly true in marriages among the baptized.
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Married love transcends the realm of instinct and impulses. It is a lifelong bond in which husband and wife overcome trials together and find their fulfillment by completely giving themselves to one another. They become united in heart and soul. This journey may be fraught with difficulties, but no one should say it is impossible.Lastly, married love is oriented toward receiving the gift of children.
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That brings us to the matter of responsible parenthood. Responsible parenthood begins with understanding and respecting our biology. It requires couples to exercise mastery over their innate drives and emotions.It is practiced when couples prudently decide to have more children, or when they– (for serious reasons and using licit means) – refrain from having more children. This discernment requires couples to recognize their duties to God, to their family, and to society at large.
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Sexual activity between spouses is the means through which God ordained for the dual purposes of spouses uniting themselves to one another and transmitting human life. As such it is a noble thing. This is true even when the act is foreseen to be infertile. Indeed, God has wisely placed infertile times into the human reproductive cycle. However, natural law demands we not take it upon ourselves to separate those two purposes of marital relations.
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This is what the Church has always taught and it is in harmony with human reason.
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To be faithful to God’s design, conjugal love must be mutually consensual between the spouses. If not, it ceases to be an act of love. Likewise, choosing to impair the procreative aspect of the sexual act contradicts God’s design. It expresses a desire to have sovereign power over one’s fertility. We are supposed to be faithful ministers of this divine gift.
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Therefore the Church is obliged to condemn all forms of contraception and sterilization. Even moreso she must condemn all acts of abortion.These acts must be viewed as discrete instances. They cannot be justified by examining the aggregate sexual life of a couple and regarding it as “open to life” as a whole.
Nor can one justify committing these acts as the “lesser of two evils”. Even though we sometimes have to tolerate a lesser evil to avoid a greater one, we cannot intentionally commit evil. Even for a good cause.
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That said, this does not prohibit the use of a medicine which renders one infertile as a side-effect. Just as long as the infertility isn’t desired for its own sake.
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Some will say, “Shouldn’t the human race be allowed to use our ingenuity to control fertility and more completely direct it toward our wellbeing?” We reply that humanity should use its intelligence to promote wellbeing. But it must be done within the limits of rational morality. Therefore, a couple with adequate reasons can have recourse to the naturally infertile parts of the reproductive cycle to space births. This method is an expression of authentic love.
Now, in teaching against contraception but in favor of natural family planning, we are in no way inconsistent. Both share the goal of avoiding pregnancy. That much is fine. Rather, the fault is found in the means used to accomplish it.
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Now let us examine the harm of widespread acceptance of contraception.Consider how the natural outcome of sex acts as a deterrent against certain forms of vice. With those disincentives gone, we will see an increase in promiscuity - particularly among the young. Among the married you will see an increase in infidelity.
Likewise, as men grow accustomed to thinking of sex as naturally infertile, they will lose respect for women’s bodies and treat women as tools for their gratification rather than persons who deserve care and affection.
Lastly, if people regard contraception as a solution to their personal problems, will not the government do the same at the societal level? Therefore we can expect to see governments strongly encouraging contraception for their people. And, if they deem it necessary, who will stop them from even mandating it?
Therefore, out of reverence for the integrity of the human person and the human body, we must accept limits on what we’re allowed to do.
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With all of the negativity surrounding this teaching, it is expected that many will find it hard to accept. But this teaching is to the benefit of human civilization and the dignity of husbands and wives.
Part III: Pastoral Directives
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The Church, like Christ, has compassion for people, even in their weaknesses. She welcomes all, but cannot cease from teaching the truth.
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Consistent adherence to this teaching requires inner strength which can only come through God’s grace.
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Married couples should realize that practicing natural family planning will require self-disciple. But consider how this virtue is essential to everything in a marriage! It builds character, helps one detach from selfishness, provides a good example to children. Thus, the self-disciple need for natural family planning builds up the family in love.
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To all those who are involved in education and communications; You must promote an atmosphere which is conducive to chastity and real freedom.
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To the leaders of nations; You have the responsibility of safeguarding the common good. I implore you to oppose any legislation which would expose families to this temptation. You must seek to educate families about licit ways of family planning. This is true even in developing countries where the temptation to turn to contraception is great. The State must always do what is in accord with human dignity.
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To scientists; We urge you to further explore human biology and advance our knowledge of how to reliably and naturally regulate procreation.
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To married couples; We know this is indeed difficult. But be assured that frequent prayer and the sacraments will provide all the grace you need to prosper. By faithfully living out the sacrament of matrimony, you bear witness to Christ in the world.
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Married couples who are successfully living out this teaching should seek opportunities to mentor other couples.
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To those in the medical profession; You should likewise exercise your noble vocation in ways which are consistent with reason and morality. Then you will be able to properly help married couples who seek your counsel.
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And to priests; We have utter confidence that you will fulfill your duty by speaking the truth about marriage and morality. Do not succumb to dissenting voices who wish to sew divisions among the Church.
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You priests must be a true representative of Christ. When couples come to you with the difficulties of life, you must be ready to meet them with truth, mercy, and encouragement.
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And lastly to the bishops; You must devote yourself to safeguarding the holiness of marriage in your diocese. This is your most urgent mission.
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The work set before us is great. But its successful accomplishment will bring blessings to the world and to the Church.To all people of goodwill, I offer my blessing.
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