Open to Life

[seeker_of_God]

Hello,

This is a bit of a personal issue, but something I need to know nonetheless, and is a bit specific to my own circumstances.

My wife and I are in the process of getting our marriage convalidated.

Now I know that to be a valid Catholic marriage, both of us must be open to life.

Now here’s the issue. Due to a brain tumor I had when I was four years old, I am unable to naturally produce sperm. This means that without medical intervention, there is a 0% chance of us having children.

However, if we desire children, I can take a monthly injection to give me the required hormone to produce sperm. It takes about a year to build up in the body, I am told.

In my circumstances, to be open to life, must I take this injection so that I have the possibility to have children?

I know that for people who are barren or unable in any way to produce sperm, it is OK since there is nothing they can do. But there is something I can do in my circumstances, and I take several other hormones to supplement the hormones that my body does not produce.

So my inclination, based on my understanding, is that I should begin this injection.

Your help would be appreciated.

 

[dixieagle]

My understanding is that you are under no obligation to undergo such treatment. (Even those who have had a vasectomy and then wish to enter into a sacramental marriage are under no obligation to reverse the procedure.)

I would seek out a priest well versed in moral theology and discuss your unique situation.

 

[maryjk]

After this many years on this forum, one would think that I would know how to do this so it looked better. But alas, I don’t.

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=736375

So, no, you don’t need to get the injections. But may if you want to.

 

[seeker_of_God]

After this many years on this forum, one would think that I would know how to do this so it looked better. But alas, I don’t.

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=736375

So, no, you don’t need to get the injections. But may if you want to.

Thank you.

I read your link, but am not seeing how you drew the conclusion you did.

I would actually draw the opposite conclusion. If there is no reason why I shouldn’t get the injections (risk, prohibitive cost, etc), then it seems like I should, so that we have the possibility of being open. Then whether or not it happens is up to God.

 

[underacloud]

Thank you.

I read your link, but am not seeing how you drew the conclusion you did.

I would actually draw the opposite conclusion. If there is no reason why I shouldn’t get the injections (risk, prohibitive cost, etc), then it seems like I should, so that we have the possibility of being open. Then whether or not it happens is up to God.

It’s already up to God. If you and your wife have sex in a way that does not deliberately exclude life, then you’ve essentially met the requirements for valid marital relations and the fact that life does not come about because of a natural condition is “up to God” as such.

Of course, if you want to have children, then get the treatment. If you don’t, then accepting natural infertility is not in itself immoral. If the treatment is quite easy and you feel that God is calling you and your wife to have a family, then you should prayerfully consider it. So whether there is a personal moral obligation is between you, your wife, and God, but there is no general moral obligation to seek to enhance fertility.

 

[RoseMary131]

Hello,

This is a bit of a personal issue, but something I need to know nonetheless, and is a bit specific to my own circumstances.

My wife and I are in the process of getting our marriage convalidated.

Now I know that to be a valid Catholic marriage, both of us must be open to life.

Now here’s the issue. Due to a brain tumor I had when I was four years old, I am unable to naturally produce sperm. This means that without medical intervention, there is a 0% chance of us having children.

However, if we desire children, I can take a monthly injection to give me the required hormone to produce sperm. It takes about a year to build up in the body, I am told.

I think it would be wise to discuss such an important matter with a priest. He will assure you that you are not required to undergo medical procedure and help you understand Church teachings.

In my circumstances, to be open to life, must I take this injection so that I have the possibility to have children?

I know that for people who are barren or unable in any way to produce sperm, it is OK since there is nothing they can do. But there is something I can do in my circumstances, and I take several other hormones to supplement the hormones that my body does not produce.

So my inclination, based on my understanding, is that I should begin this injection.

Your help would be appreciated.

Being “Open to Life” means that you do not close the possibility of life being created during sexual union with your spouse.

Being “Open to LIfe” does not mean that you must try to make yourself fertile.

You did not willingly change your body to make your union close to life. Your situation is a medical issue that you did not choose.

I would discuss important issues like this with your priest who can help you fully understand Church teachings.

Congratulations on your upcoming convalidation.