Dear Miranda,

I have personally been struggling with how to answer your questions, but I think the best approach is to give you two similar answers.

• One from Magisterium AI which consist of a massive number of Church documents that have been computerized, and
• My personal view as I think the Church would answer your question.

I'm sure my colleagues on the AskACatholic team will chime in if they have an answer that is a bit different than what I have said.

Magisterium AI replied:

According to the Code of Canon Law, marriage between a baptized Catholic and a member of a Church or ecclesial community not in full communion with the Catholic Church requires the express permission of the competent authority (Code of Canon Law 1124).

Regarding the issue of tubal ligation and the ability to have children, the provided references do not directly address this specific situation. However, it is important to note that the Catholic Church teaches that marriage is both a sacrament and a natural institution, and one of its purposes is the procreation and education of children. The Church holds that the openness to the gift of life is an essential aspect of marriage.

In light of this teaching, it is possible that the issue of tubal ligation and the inability to have children may be considered by the competent authority when granting permission for the marriage. The decision would depend on various factors, including the circumstances of the individuals involved and the pastoral discernment of the competent authority.

It is recommended that your brother-in-law and his fiancé consult with their parish priest or the competent authority in their diocese to discuss their specific situation and seek guidance on the possibility of getting married in the Catholic Church. The priest or competent authority will be able to provide them with the necessary information and assistance based on the teachings of the Church and the particular circumstances of their case.

Please note that this answer is based on the provided references, which do not directly address the specific situation of "tubal ligation and marriage in the Catholic Church". It is important to consult with the appropriate Church authorities for a definitive answer in this particular case.
References

• Code of Canon Law 1124
  
• Response of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith about the Validity of Baptism Conferred in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

That said, as Magisterium AI pointed out, it is important to contact the proper Church people to discuss the issue and any extenuating circumstances.

What is important now is the attitude of the man and woman toward the tubal ligation.  If either of them still wants to keep the sterilization, that would mean they aren't willing to conceive and bear children, which impedes marriage. If they have come to accept that the tubal ligation was a bad decision and are willing to get it reversed, then it would not be an obstacle to marriage, even if the reversal turns out to be impossible. The couple should disclose the situation and their wishes to their pastor or the competent authority as part of their marriage preparation for specific advice.

If my colleagues have an opinion on this answer, I'm sure they will chime in.

I hope this helps,

Dear Miranda,

My understanding on this is that if the woman repents and regrets her anti-life act, which for a Catholic would mean receiving forgiveness in the Sacrament of Penance, the potential marriage would be allowed and valid (notwithstanding any other impediments). The inability to conceive is morally different than the will to not conceive. Some moralists suggest that to atone for this self-inflicted problem one should practice natural family planning with their spouse, as if one could conceive.

At any rate, it's always good to talk this over with your parish priest. He should know for sure the Church's stand on this. 

Paul