Valid Use of Birth Control?

[mattkubes]

Did you read post three?

But Humanae Vitae does specify that these uses are valid only if “truly necessary”. No one can argue that the Church would say cramp-relief takes priority when there is the potential to destroy a human life (i.e. if the embryo is not allowed to implant).

 

[Lady_D_I]

Especially if it is a high-dose progesterone pill - they can and do function by preventing implantation of the embryo (it is not the only way they work, but it does happen).

if pregnancy occurs, they are abortifacient.

OCs contain progestin… not progesterone. There is indirect evidence that OCs may prevent implantation but there is no direct evidence (Note: there is not direct evidence because this has not been studied for good reasons).

Therefore, if used as a therapy, the couple must practice abstinence while on this therapy.

It is my understanding this is not the Church’s teaching.

From Fr. Serpa:
The use of the pill for medical reasons may cause an UNintended miscarriage. Women often have unintended miscarriages—sometimes without even knowing it. It is only miscarriages that are INTENDED that the Church considers immoral. The Church never allows the pill to be used as an abortifacient. But it does allow the use of the pill for medical reasons with the possiblity of producing an unintended miscarriage—without obliging the couple to abstain from sexual relations during that time.

 

[mattkubes]

The Church never allows the pill to be used as an abortifacient. But it does allow the use of the pill for medical reasons with the possiblity of producing an unintended miscarriage—without obliging the couple to abstain from sexual relations during that time.

I still find this difficult to argue using the double effect…especially in the case where we’re talking about using the pill to alleviate cramps. I understand that there may be more serious reasons that might be justifiable.

In any case, Fr. Serpa knows much more about Church teachings than I ever will, so I guess I’ll defer to him on this matter (although his answer did not address which circumstances warrant the use of OCs…I doubt his answer would be the same for using them to prevent something like acne).

 

[Lady_D_I]

especially in the case where we’re talking about using the pill to alleviate cramps

“Cramps” can be debilitating.

although his answer did not address which circumstances warrant the use of OCs…I doubt his answer would be the same for using them to prevent something like acne).

Hmmmmm… that may be crossing the line into medical advice. I do agree about acne, but there are circumstances that would be more difficult to assess.

 

[SoCalRC]

I still find this difficult to argue using the double effect…especially in the case where we’re talking about using the pill to alleviate cramps. I understand that there may be more serious reasons that might be justifiable.

It actually seems pretty easy to explain with double effect to me. The woman is not sexually active and is chemically regulating her menstral cycle to offset what she otherwise finds to be a debilitating condition.

Humanae Vitae prohibits stopping procreation in the context of free sexual intercourse. In the 1960’s Rome permitted nuns in the Belgian Congo dispensation to use oral contraceptives because of prevelant problems with rape. The theological argument was that the rapes being perpetrated were not ‘free’, or natural, human sexuality, but unjust and violent attacks.

My point in bringing up this extreme case is that Rome has already created a precedent regarding the ‘double effect’ of using an oral contraceptive as a ‘chemical defense’. So it seems quite reasonable to me that double effect could be applied when the issue is health and quality of life and no sexual intercourse is even involved.

You may be finding it more difficult because you seem to have a preconceived notion that “cramps” are simply a natural inconvenience. But, like post-p depression, it is a wide spectrum in terms of severity and symptoms. Think of headaches. Almost everyone gets them from time to time, but those can’t be compared to migraines, which can be extreme and severe.

Personally, I have a much harder time accepting the application of Double Effect as it is sometimes used with ectopic pregnancies and a salpingectomy. In those cases, both ‘effects’ are clearly foreseen. In my mind the only distinction from using MTX or salpingostomy is that the “grave moral disorder” (Evangelium Vitae) of abortion is compounded with another grave moral problem, sterilization (Humanae Vitae). Please note, I am not expressing an opinion on what should be done in these sad situations, I am only questioning the application of double effect.

Best Regards,
-jjf

 

[cecilia97]

I still find this difficult to argue using the double effect…especially in the case where we’re talking about using the pill to alleviate cramps. I understand that there may be more serious reasons that might be justifiable.

Not saying I or anyone would/should go against Church teaching here…but if it was possible for men to have cramps so bad that they couldn’t go to work and do their jobs, it would be considered a “serious” reason. I think those are the kind of cramps we’re talking about here. I have a friend with a similar problem.

 

[maryjk]

I still find this difficult to argue using the double effect…especially in the case where we’re talking about using the pill to alleviate cramps. I understand that there may be more serious reasons that might be justifiable.

In any case, Fr. Serpa knows much more about Church teachings than I ever will, so I guess I’ll defer to him on this matter (although his answer did not address which circumstances warrant the use of OCs…I doubt his answer would be the same for using them to prevent something like acne).

So you are comparing debilitating cramps to acne???

 

[mattkubes]

It actually seems pretty easy to explain with double effect to me. The woman is not sexually active and is chemically regulating her menstral cycle to offset what she otherwise finds to be a debilitating condition.

Wow, I completely missed that in the OPs message - Mea culpa . So my posts were out of the context of this question…by quite a bit lol (I guess when I read “birth control” I automatically associate it with doing just that). I hope they make more sense if there was a human life at stake…I didn’t mean to sound hostile towards this woman’s pain. And as a frequent migraine sufferer, I know how seriously debilitating pain can be.

 

[cecilia97]

Wow, I completely missed that in the OPs message - Mea culpa . So my posts were out of the context of this question…by quite a bit lol (I guess when I read “birth control” I automatically associate it with doing just that). I hope they make more sense if there was a human life at stake…I didn’t mean to sound hostile towards this woman’s pain. And as a frequent migraine sufferer, I know how seriously debilitating pain can be.

Your heart was in the right place, mattkubes!

 

[Delphinus85]

I have a friend who is considering joining The Church, but one of the major blocks for her is birth control. She told me before she was put on it, her cramps were so bad that she would sometimes pass out or throw up. Her doctor also warned her about something like endometriosis or something where bits of tissue could break off inside because of cramps. She asked me if it would be allowable for her to use birth control (the pill) just for medicinal purposes; relieving her cramps (she isn’t sexually active and she isn’t married). I said the pill was probably just masking the symptoms (because it seems that’s all the pill does) and that she aught to consult her doctor about treating the cause, but that I thought if there was no other way to help the cramps then this might be a valid use of birth control.

Then she asked me if she ever did get married, but still used the pill for these medicinal purposes, would that be ok. I said that the contraceptive results would be an unintended side effect, so she’d probably be fine. Then she asked “what if I was glad that it could be a simple way to space children?” and I said that might be getting into rockier waters.

My main questions are A) How have I done so far? Do my answers sound right? and B) Has anyone else delt with extreme cramping and not using the pill to alleviate it?

Thanks!

Hello! It is totally fine to use it for issues like that. I have the same problem myself (bad cramps amoung other things!) And I sought the advice of a priest and my mentor, AND my RCIA instructor before I got married. All gave me the thumbs up for a few reasons:

1. The issue I have can only be treated with hormonal therapy becuase my imbalance is purely hormonal. I was anorexic and it caused me to lose my period for almost a year. As a result my body is freaking out.
2. This is the only treatment I can afford, and is mainstream enough that my health insurance will cover it (to use any other treatment will put me on the streets!)
3. Both my husband and I do not desire the birth control aspect of this treatment. We have discussed it and we are bth really sad that we have to wait to have kids (I count myself lucky in that I only have to wait another 3-5 years so my body can adjust itself)
4. The original issue was so bad that for a week every month I could not get out of bed. If I did get out, it was to throw up and then go staight back. I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t sleep, so I couldn’t work. I had to do something about it so I could have some kind of life.

Yes, there are alternatives out there to the pill, but the church understands that we can’t all afford those, and that health insurance doesn’t always cover it. I would say if it’s the only viable option, it’s fine. The church isn’t an overbearing monster waiting to goble you up. I would reccomend, however, to follow the precepts of NFP while on the pill. My husband and I plan a week every month where we abstain. This is for several reasons, the biggest is that we fear during that particular week the abortive option of the pill is most likely to work. And if that happened we’d be destroyed. We keep our communication open on the topic, and as a result, sex isn’t just some meaningless selfish act. And after that week it’s like a honeymoon effect all over again! We are hoping that God will do what he wants with us, and we are praying that if it is his will to give us a child, he will do so anyway. Even if we aren’t ready by our standards.

Some people will disagree that the pill isn’t medication,but remember the pope said that it is okay for medical reasons. The oill is prescribed to treat some cases (I have one friend who’s heart would fail without it due to endometrium on her heart. To have a natural period for her would kill her). I can testify that the pill does work for my case. I have no negative side effects, and God IS blessing my marriage. My husband and I remain open to life, despite this hinderance. Just make sure you ren’t looking for any excuse to use it (light cramps, is that good enough? etc…) and I think you’ll be fine!

 

[gradstud35]

Find out if she is using tampons for her period. If so, get her to quit them. Those can cause horrific PMS and cramps.

Birth control actually suppresses a women’s sex drive. It’s only to her benefit to be off of it, so SHE can enjoy the full benefits of sex.

 

[Delphinus85]

“Cramps” can be debilitating.

Hear hear!! Mine were getting so bad I couldn’t work. I had to do something if I wanted to eat

“Birth control actually suppresses a women’s sex drive. It’s only to her benefit to be off of it, so SHE can enjoy the full benefits of sex.”

Only sometimes with some women. Mine has actually stayed the same. More level. On a higher level actually. The BC actually FIXED my issue so my body is working like it should. I thought it was weird, so I talked to my physician about it, and apparently that’s normal with women in my state.

 

[Listener]

Hear hear!! Mine were getting so bad I couldn’t work. I had to do something if I wanted to eat

Yes, this is exactly the problem. The pain gets so bad a person simply can’t function. If the pill makes a woman able to function again, there is absolutely nothing morally wrong with taking it.

There are two different aspects to this question that need to be sorted out. One is the question of whether a woman may use birth control pills for medical reasons. The answer, according to the pope is YES!

The second aspect is whether or not a woman is worried about taking the pill for a long period of time. A lot of women are worried about the long term side effects. This is a legimitate concern, but it is not a moral question as such.

Almost all prescription medication has potential serious side effects. When a woman has severe cramps, it would be great if she could find a more natural solution. However, if the natural solution doesn’t work, she may have a choice between the pill and a hysterectomy. A woman on the pill who wants children can quit the pill temporarily and hopefully have some children. A women with a hysterectomy will never become a mother.

Each woman needs to decide what she feels is best for her individual situation.

 

[latinmasslover]

Actually, each woman needs to find an orthodox priest who is also known to be holy and she needs to let him decide if her reasons are “truly necessary to cure diseases of the organism” as the pope said. This comment is coming from a woman who also suffers from extremely severe cramps. I sympathize, but the pill isn’t the answer.

 

[Lady_D_I]

an orthodox priest who is also known to be holy and she needs to let him decide if her reasons are “truly necessary to cure diseases of the organism” as the pope said.

I believe a physician, PA, or NP belongs in the equation.

I sympathize, but the pill isn’t the answer.

It is for some women.

Only sometimes with some women. Mine has actually stayed the same. More level. On a higher level actually. The BC actually FIXED my issue so my body is working like it should. I thought it was weird, so I talked to my physician about it, and apparently that’s normal with women in my state.

You got it. Each woman is unique.

 

[latinmasslover]

I believe a physician, PA, or NP belongs in the equation.

It is for some women.

You got it. Each woman is unique.

th doctor’s medical opinion should be expressed to the priest, but the ultimited decision should rest with him.

 

[Lady_D_I]

th doctor’s medical opinion should be expressed to the priest, but the ultimited decision should rest with him.

If the priest understands the pathophysiology and rationale for treatment. There are obvious circumstances (ie., acne) but the reproductive issues are more complex.

 

[gradstud35]

I don’t know. Funny how modern women think they are so progressive yet seem to think they are the only ones in the history of the world who have ever gotten PMS or debilitating cramps and need birth control to fix it. Up until the 1960s, billions and billions of women throughout time and all over the world lived with PMS and debilitating cramps without birth control.

 

[aurora77]

I don’t know. Funny how modern women think they are so progressive yet seem to think they are the only ones in the history of the world who have ever gotten PMS or debilitating cramps and need birth control to fix it. Up until the 1960s, billions and billions of women throughout time and all over the world lived with PMS and debilitating cramps without birth control.

So, if you have a headache, you don’t take anything right? Or if you have the flu you forgo medicine? After all, billions of men have lived with debilitating headaches and the flu without medication. Your comment was patronizing and without merit. Why not just pat us women on the head and tell us it’s all in our mind while you’re at it?

 

[latinmasslover]

So, if you have a headache, you don’t take anything right? Or if you have the flu you forgo medicine? After all, billions of men have lived with debilitating headaches and the flu without medication. Your comment was patronizing and without merit. Why not just pat us women on the head and tell us it’s all in our mind while you’re at it?

No, we just take medicine that isn’t morally compromising. As I’ve said before I suffer quite a bit that time of the month. However, it’s not like women haven’t gone through it in the past without birth control, as already meantioned. All I have to say is unite the suffering with the suffering of Jesus. The Saints would, and as many people like to emphasize, the Saints were “ordinary people.”
And I don’t think the comment by gradstud35 was patronizing and without merit. It was simply objective, not to mention very true.