Sterilization is one of the most common forms of birth control among married couples, and many Catholics chose it without ever hearing that the Church considered it a moral question. Others knew and chose it anyway during a hard season. Now they wonder what to do. This lesson presents the teaching and then the pastoral path, marking clearly where theologians offer opinions.
What the Church teaches
Humanae Vitae lists direct sterilization, whether permanent or temporary, of the man or the woman, among the methods of regulating birth that must be excluded (Humanae Vitae 14). The Catechism teaches that direct sterilization is contrary to the moral law except when performed for strictly therapeutic medical reasons (CCC 2297), and lists sterilization among the means of regulating births that are morally unacceptable (CCC 2399).
"Direct" sterilization means one chosen in order to prevent conception. Surgery that removes a diseased organ, with infertility as an unintended result, is a different case, explained in the lesson on medical situations.
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Sources
- CCC 2399 Catechism of the Catholic Church, Summary on the regulation of births
- CCC 2297 Catechism of the Catholic Church, Respect for bodily integrity
- Humanae Vitae 14 Humanae Vitae (Paul VI, 1968), unlawful ways of regulating birth
- CCC 1446 Catechism of the Catholic Church, The sacrament of penance
- CCC 1857-1860 Catechism of the Catholic Church, Mortal and venial sin