Hysterectomy questions - Moral?

[UbiCaritas15]

I think you are correct. However, people seem to forget that birth control pills have very dangerous and lethal side effects for some women. I would never risk taking them myself. It is not worth having a blood clot, heart attack or stroke.

Yes, they can be lethal.

 

[The_Bucket]

Any and all of the options, as other posters have said, are morally licit. And all of them have medical pros and cons. I’d consult with the doctor and get a second opinion when the choices are laid out if you are uncomfortable with any of them.

Hormonal contraceptives can be dangerous but generally only for women who have certain pre-existing health conditions or risk factors (like smoking). My wife is actually one of those women who, regardless of Church teaching, can’t take the Pill because of a blood clotting disorder. It would be very dangerous stuff. But it’s a genetic abnormality that affects only about 2% of women.

So talk to the docs and realize that all of your options are totally fine from a moral perspective. Make the decision based on medical merits.

 

[savedbygrace71]

I’m interested in the answer to this as well but I’ve already had the surgery. I also have two kids and desire no more. I had the surgery very recently to solve prolapse.

I did as well. My surgeon is catholic and said that since it was the only way to treat the prolapsed organs, permanently, it was not considered sinful. Hope that helps.

 

[maryjk]

Yes, they can be lethal.

As can many other things. Like major surgery. Or aspirin.

I would talk to my doctor about the negative side effects of the pill. And the risk factors specific to your wife. For example, I have Lupus and I am over 45. The pill is much more dangerous for me than say a healthy 30 year old.

Then look at the side effects and risk factors for the other options.

For example, a hysterectomy has a 6 -8 week recovery. An Endometrial ablation has a shorter recovery period but has been known to produce scar tissue that hides uterine cancer.

 

[TheBlindSpot]

As others have noted, either the pill or a hysterectomy are morally licit as legitimate medical treatments.

I have to ask though - why dismiss the pill so quickly, but seriously consider a hysterectomy? The hysterectomy is an invasive surgery and results in permanent sterility, and depending on the type of hysterectomy, possibly ongoing issues too. The pill may adequately treat the condition, while preserving the possibility of future fertility as well as different treatment plans that may be kinder to your wife in the long term. Given that it was suggested by your doctor, I think it at least warrants consideration while you explore the implications of hysterectomy further.

Thank you all for your responses, and to answer your question:

"I have to ask though - why dismiss the pill so quickly, but seriously consider a hysterectomy? "

Knowing that all three options WOULD be morally licit, we would consider all options. We dismissed it, not knowing fully what our culpability would be? That being said, she would likely have to remain permanently on the pill, essentially permanently to avoid them from coming/growing back, And the pill is known to have many adverse health effects as well as being an abortifacient.

But again, to your point, if all of the mentioned options would be morally licit, she will do what is best for her.

Thanks again everyone for your help.

 

[savedbygrace71]

If God wants her to have more children, He’ll find a way to reverse the Hysterectomy. I’ve heard of that happening.

Ummmm actually, I think if God wants her to have more children after a hysterectomy, He will find a way for adoption to become her calling. But no, your uterus can’t grow back.

 

[Allegra]

If God wants her to have more children, He’ll find a way to reverse the Hysterectomy. I’ve heard of that happening.

Wait…what?

Could you possibly be confusing hysterectomy with another procedure? I know everything is possible with God, but I’m pretty sure that has never happened. Maybe you are thinking of having one’s tubes tied?