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frank_7576
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What is the Church’s teaching on vasectomy reversal? Is it a sin to not have the reversal?
Reversal is not mentioned, that I could find, in the CCC. However, from what I’ve learned via radio/TV - it is my understanding that with the medical capabilities today of a successful reversal of a vasectomy, that if a person did not have very serious reasons (paying for it, mostly) for not having the reversal that a person’s confession of having it in the first place, with the firm purpose of amendment would be in question. If this were the 60s, when vasectomy reversal had a low probability of efficacy anyway - then that’s something else.What is the Church’s teaching on vasectomy reversal? Is it a sin to not have the reversal?
I think I’d take this one to the Ask an Apologist forum for Fr Serpa’s answer.What is the Church’s teaching on vasectomy reversal? Is it a sin to not have the reversal?
Sounds like a really good idea.I think I’d take this one to the Ask an Apologist forum for Fr Serpa’s answer.
I’ve seen the standard answer a few times here already. No, a reversal is not required, nor is using NFP. Some choose to use NFP in order to show their true sorrow for getting the vasectomy, but keep in mind that this would then require the participation of your spouse. This may work for some, but isn’t a requirement.I’ll do that. Thanks for your (name removed by moderator)ut!
In my opinion, you win the best answer in this thread award! I’ve struggled with my stupid decision years ago even after I have confessed this sin. And you are correct, God isn’t fooled. The firm purpose of amendment lies in the sorrow and regret for doing something so selfish. And God knows that I would have welcomed any child had this procedure failed. Admitting that I was an ignorant knuckle head and knowing how offensive that is to God was my firm purpose of amendment. My confessor was very clear that a reversal was not necessary, just a truly contrite heart…teachccdTo expand on the above answer, the textbook answer is that it isn’t required to be reversed. The hard correlary to that is that the penitent must genuinely regret having it, rather than secretly being pleased.
This is a TOUGH nut to crack, kinda like that little fine print in a plenary indulgence that one must be free of all attachment to the sins forgiven. NOT A MINOR DETAIL!
Some have chosen the reversal as a means of restoring God’s design for helping us conquer our lustful concupiscence, others have chosen the NFP simulation route as a penance to try to achieve the same thing. You’d need to work it out for yourself. Just be clear and honest with yourself: God isn’t fooled. If you haven’t truly repented of the desire for no-strings attached sex, you’re still in dark waters.
And that is correct…I know a man who had a vasectomy while a Protestant not understanding that a vasectomy is a sin. When he became a Catholic and went to his first confession in a truly contrite spirit he was forgiven and told by the priest that a reversal was not necessary.