Dear Andrea,

I’m not sure if you received a full response yet, but the answer is . . . that is not permissible.  

The “withdrawal" method seeks to violate the integrity of the act by preventing the very pro-creative nature of the act.  See Genesis 38:9-10 for the account of Onan, who did this very thing.  Just do a search on “onanism” to see more.

The morally acceptable method is to abstain from intercourse during your most fertile time but have natural relations at other times.   Known as Natural Family Planning, or NFP, this is a very viable way to help space children without violating God’s law. (There is a science to it and you can research that online)

The act must always respect both the procreative and unitive dimensions without frustrating either end.  If we only seek a climax without openness to life we are essentially performing masturbation or sodomy.  If that is OK in this circumstance, then it must be OK in every circumstance (think about it).  Likewise, if we simply harvest eggs and sperm and unite them in a petri dish, we are reducing parents to donors and violating the sacred act by which God ordained that the “two become one flesh.”  And that is not even touching on the moral problems with creation of multiple embryos in IVF.

Sex is sacred, and while we have advanced in many technologies and knowledge we have not advanced in moral goodness and virtue.  I believe God allows these challenges to be so difficult so that they may shape us into the people we need to become.  

So will it be difficult, at time for sure, but the rewards are worth it.  Or on the other hand, you could just say to God,

"We'll take all the children you want to give us, our lives are in your hands”.  

Just for a little perspective, consider what can go with you into eternity?  Not much, but your children can; that’s a gift that really keeps on giving.

Peace,

Bob Kirby