Is a hysterectomy and ovary removal acceptable in Church teaching?

[prainaldi]

I am very much wanting to follow God’s wishes and Church teaching, but I’m unsure if in my circumstances the Church would find reasoning for a hysterectomy acceptable.

I am 52 years old and having female medical issues causing me to battle anemia. Hormone therapy is not a solution for me as both ovarian and breast cancer run in my family.

My doctor has recommended I consider a hysterectomy having my ovaries removed as well due to the cancer concern.

Is it acceptable for me to have a hysterectomy and remove my ovaries?

 

[Fr.Charles_Grondin]

U.S. bishops’ Ethical And Religious Directives For Catholic Health Care Services (emphasis added):

1. Direct sterilization of either men or women, whether permanent or temporary, is not permitted in a Catholic health care institution. Procedures that induce sterility are permitted when their direct effect is the cure or alleviation of a present and serious pathology and a simpler treatment is not available.

Humanae Vitae

1. On the other hand, the Church does not consider at all illicit the use of those therapeutic means necessary to cure bodily diseases, even if a foreseeable impediment to procreation should result there from—provided such impediment is not directly intended for any motive whatsoever.

A medical treatment to address a health issue that results in sterilization is morally licit as long as the intention is not contraceptive. If your doctors have determined that a hysterectomy and removal of ovaries is the best treatment for your medical condition then it is permissible in Catholic teaching.