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Discerning Dianna wrote: |
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Hi, guys —
I need to go on an estrogen blocker to prevent a recurrence of cancer. This will require me to stop using NFP and use a barrier method of contraception for 5 years due to extreme birth defects if I were to get pregnant. The medication will cause the ability to chart, to be ineffective.
- What does the church teach on this matter?
I have been discerning since my diagnosis and need to make a decision in the next couple of weeks. I have spoken with my NFP councilor, a "Theology of the Body" expert, and so far, NO one has been able to answer my question.
Thank you for your help.
Dianna
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| { What is the Church's view on medically necessary contraception to stop a recurrence of cancer? } |
Eric replied:
Dianna replied:
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Eric,
Thank you!
I did contact the Bioethics center, but they were unable to help. No one seems to know the Church's views on medically necessary contraception. If you have any other suggestions, please let me know.
Thank you for your willingness to help us in our relationship with our Lord and Savior.
Dianna |
Eric replied:
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Dianna,
I'm sorry they were unable to help. They are far more competent than we are to solve your problem.
I am not sure there is such a thing as "medically necessary contraception". I'd like to point out that no contraception is 100% effective. So artificial contraception will not solve your problem, even if it were licit, which it never is. I think you need to consider whether the Lord is calling you to conjugal continence, as difficult as it is to hear, as difficult as it is to live out. That seems to me the only viable solution. There are people who do this successfully; a friend of mine is one of them. I myself live continence owing to my never-married state. There is no obligation to have marital relations in a situation like this. So, contraception is not "necessary", because continence is an option on the table.
I know this is not the answer you were looking for, but I guarantee that the Lord will bless you in your fidelity to Him. This is an opportunity to rely on his grace and grow deeper in your relationship with Him. We will pray for you that you'll have the strength to live out the faith.
"Neither the Church nor her doctrine is inconsistent when she considers it lawful for married people to take advantage of the infertile period but condemns as always unlawful the use of means which directly prevent conception, even when the reasons given for the later practice may appear to be upright and serious."
Pope St. Paul VI, Humanae Vitae #16 (Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 1968) |
“Accept whatever is brought upon you and endure it in sorrow; in changes that humble you be patient. For gold and silver are tested in the fire, and acceptable men in the furnace of humiliation.”
(Sirach 2:4-5, RSV2CE) |
Eric |
Dianna replied:
Thank you for your response.
You are the only person to share this direct information, all others have referenced me to different organizations. I am always grateful for truth over what I want to hear, and that is what you have provided.
Thanks again!
Dianna
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