First of a bunch of ?'s

[Marc74e]

My wife had her “tubes tied” after our second son. Does this mean we are livng in sin???

 

[Catholic_Kenpo]

My understanding of this (which, I admit, may be flawed) says that the answer is: it depends. If you were both aware that it was against Church teachings before the procedure was performed, then the answer is most likely yes. If, however, you were unaware, or you were aware and have since confessed the sin to a preist, then you are in the clear.

If you want a more definitive (or reliable) answer, then I suggest you speak to your preist about it. He’ll be able to help you figure out if your specific situation is sinful or not. God bless.

-CK

 

[Corki]

You aren’t “living in sin” in the sense of being in an invalid marriage. However, direct sterilization is sinful. It needs to be confessed and absolution sought to return yourselves to a state of grace (unless you have already done so, as C_K indicated). If you consented to it, then you both need to. If you wife did this against your wishes, it is hers to bring to her Confessor.

I think that this is one of those categories, like abortion or birth control, that needs to be confessed, even if you weren’t completely familiar with Church teaching at the time. As adults, there is a certain level of “should have known” that we are responsible for. In any case, take it to Confession and submit yourself to the priest.

 

[puzzleannie]

My wife had her “tubes tied” after our second son. Does this mean we are livng in sin???

Surgical sterilization for the purpose of avoiding pregnancy is intrinsically objectively evil and a mortal sin.

if she [she being a hypothetical woman who had this surgery] understood that this is a serious sin, which means she fully understands the Church prohibition on this or any other means of surgical sterilization, and with full free will choice–i.e. not pressured by doctors or anyone else–and with full knowledge i.e. had the surgery fully explained to her and fully understands why it is wrong, then she is probably guilty of grave sin. In any case she should discuss this with a priest in confession. She should also have a serious discussion with her husband on the whole topic of raising a family and forming marriage in full union with the Church and in accordance with God’s will for them.

If the hypothetical husband materially cooperated and consented in this, with the same conditions as always exist for mortal sin, knowledge and consent and free will action, then he also should confess. There is no requirement that reversal of the procedure be attempted.

“Living in sin” is a rather old-fashioned way of referring to any couple living together in intimate sexual relationship without benefit of valid marriage.