Can married women with children take birth control?

[liebchen77]

Hi–I am married and have 2 young children. I was married in the Church. I am 38 and have bipolar disorder, which is difficult to manage while pregnant. How do I get a dispensation for birth control or sterilization? Is that possible? I am faithful to all the teachings of the Church, and if I did not have this illness, I would love to have as many children as God wants to bless me with.

I also wonder about advanced maternal age–are Catholic women to be open to pregnancy even if their age can pose a higher risk of birth defects?

thanks so much.

Faithful Catholic Wife

 

[Reginald_Plum]

Liebchen,

The links below should help explain the Church’s teachings on your options for avoiding pregnancy. If you have any further questions or concerns that are not answered by these links, please contact Catholic Answers directly.

Recommended Reading:
What do we do if my wife is ordered not to become pregnant?
Is a vasectomy permissible if you have ten kids?
Are there exceptions to the ban on sterilization?

Feeling trapped regarding birth control–what do I do?

Good News About Sex And Marriage: Answers To Your Honest Questions About Catholic Teaching by Christopher West