What if doctor tells you not to get pregnant?

[KCT]

MS affects every single person differently. There is no way to compare my situation to your friend’s.

I will talk to a priest at my parish. This was a waste of my time and I don’t understand how such broad generalizations can apply to every single separate situation.

That’s why second opinions are so valuable.

 

[newbetx]

The Catholic church does not require that you endanger your life while fulfilling the duties of the sacrament of matrimony. By all means abstain using NFP techniques, but follow the doctor’s recommendation and take the pill. As my wife’s OB once told her, “For your conscience, abstain. For me, take the pill.” Sound advice. See Sir38:1-15.

Matthew

Not true, exactly.

OP, Please do not misunderstand.
We have stated the Church’s position as we understand it. It likely will not take you long to find a preist that will tell you what you want to hear. We, here, are not in the business of dispensation. I would discuss the situation with your husband and pray. Maybe JP II’s Love and Responsibility will bring some clarity.

Peace be with you!

 

[ajcoley1]

OK stupid question here: Every Catholic couple I know told me condoms were aceptible for family spacing. When did that become wrong?? I grew up in the 70’s, with that 8th Sacrament of Absorption. (Send the kid to CCD, make her go thru the sacraments, hope she’ll understand. We’re busy raising her older 8 siblings!) (Probably unrelated to this thread, I know.)

Also, how many Dr’s opinions does one need before one can take charge of one’s own health w/out being afraid of offending God?

 

[Feanaro_s_Wife]

A ticket out?! Don’t you think if I was looking for a “doctor’s note” it’d be to not have Multiple Sclerosis? To be able to walk farther than a hundred yards (with a walker) without having to sit down? To be able to feel my feet? You don’t know my story, aside from the last three postings I’ve left on this website.

**No one here knows your story (except you of course). I think the point is that the story doesn’t matter. No one is above God’s law. Contraception of any kind is always immoral, period.

I have my own story and everyone in the secular world (especially doctors) want me to use the pill as well as back up methods of contraception because of my health. Lots of people who are Catholics would advise me the same. I am sure if I went searching I could even find a dissenting priest who would give me the green light to contracept.

But I can no longer claim ignorance of God’s laws (like I could when I wasn’t yet Catholic). For moral reasons alone I would not use contraception. I feel like it would be slapping God in the face and thumbing my nose at Him. The only options available to faithful Catholics who are striving to live a holy life are NFP or abstinence. My husband and I utilize both.

I had a really hard time with this teaching at the beginning of my conversion process. REALLY hard. But the number one convincing argument (aside from wanting to do the right thing of course) was hearing the testimony of one of our long time posters here, Rayne89. She has a serious heart disease and being pregnant would kill her. She trusts her very life to NFP. A very sobering thought. I am sure she would be happy to talk to you by PM if you wish.
**
I came here for support from my peers. Not to be judged and not to be admonished. I have tried to do my best as a faithful Catholic living with chronic, debilitating illness.

I don’t see anyone who has judged you personally. You shared a very personal and heartwrenching life situation and asked for some advice about birth control. We have given the Catholic answer which we assumed you were looking for. I am sorry we couldn’t tell you what you wanted to hear.

I know that the birth control issue is a polarizing one - but I didn’t expect to be shot down before I even got out of the gate.

I don’t understand how it is a polarizing issue. God’s laws are God’s laws. Some are easier to accept and understand than others though.

 

[kage_ar]

One thing that is not said enough to people… God is never outdone in generosity. Yesterday’s readings told us not to fear - and in times when it is normal and human to fear!!

When it all comes down to it, doctors and people may be smart, God is wise. God passes that wisdom on to the world via His Church. As long as we follow God’s wisdom, we can “be not afraid”.

The time when thigs are the most frightening are the times when you want to cling to God, listen to Him - even if you are afraid. God says that contraception is a sin. Plain and simple really.

So, you can trust God or not, up to you.

 

[1ke]

OK stupid question here: Every Catholic couple I know told me condoms were aceptible for family spacing. When did that become wrong??

Since forever. Contraception has NEVER been, nor will it ever be, a moral option for spacing children.

I am sorry that “every” Catholic couple you know seems to be so misinformed.

Also, how many Dr’s opinions does one need before one can take charge of one’s own health w/out being afraid of offending God?

Getting a second opinion is always prudent.

It has nothing to do with contraception, which can never be used.

The advice to seek a second opinion was only in reference to diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment for the MS. If she is warned not to become pregnant, then her options are periodic or complete abstinence.

 

[funnyyetsavvy]

You know what? I just want to say CONGRATULATIONS on 8 years of using NFP successfully! As a ‘future Catholic’ (still waiting for RCIA to start ) I was excited to read that you’ve really used NFP is a great testimony to anyone who want to denigrate or find a way around it…Start a new thread and tell us more!

I do feel for you with the chemo drugs. If they are impacting your ability to use NFP, are there any other medications that could be used that would help with the MS but make it easier for you to use NFP? Does your doctor know?

Somtimes things get tense so fast on these boards and people miss the good things that are written. I’m glad you and your husband have the courage and conviction of your faith to use NFP. I understand your concerns about the ‘what if’s’. I didn’t read that you wanted to abandon NFP, just that your circumstances have changed and you have serious fears and questions. I would too! I’m so glad you have a spouse to love, and a God to lean on. YOu are a fighter and a believer, and you asked an honest question regarding the tenets of the faith.

Praying for you,

 

[Carolinagirl411]

I was told by two different priests that birth control was allowed for medical reasons only…like for example if you have a medical condition relating to your reproductive organs. So for those of you saying that birth control (as in the pill) can never be morally used…there are strict stipulations to the rule. However you cannot use it to prevent pregnancies. I was told that whenever I get married, if I am still needing to be on the birth control, to remain abstinent during what would have been my fertile period to prevent any pill abortions and I would be fulfilling the moral rule. Also women who have conditions and abnormalities of the uterus that are threatening to life…like cancer…can have them removed!

People need to stop jumping down other’s throats

I know this doesn’t help the OP much, and I"m sorry. I understand what you are going through. I’m a new catholic and this birth control issue is a real pain. Your life seems so hard and it is frustrating when people jump down your throat when are just looking for sympathy and to make it easier. Talk to your priest please.

 

[1ke]

I was told by two different priests that birth control was allowed for medical reasons only…like for example if you have a medical condition relating to your reproductive organs. So for those of you saying that birth control (as in the pill) can never be morally used…there are strict stipulations to the rule.

Unfortunately, priests sometimes use sloppy language.

Again, let’s repeat: contraception is **NEVER **a moral option and can never be used.

Medicine that is used to treat a condition that has a secondary effect of making someone sterile is **NOT **contraception. So, if someone has cancer and is treated with radiation, the radiation can make them sterile. That is not “birth control”.

However you cannot use it to prevent pregnancies. I was told that whenever I get married, if I am still needing to be on the birth control, to remain abstinent during what would have been my fertile period to prevent any pill abortions

Priests are not doctors, and if one told you this he does not understand how the Pill works. One cannot observe signs of feritility and tell when you “would” be fertile while on the pill. Breakthrough ovluation can occur, and you cannot know when it happens.

 

[Jennifer_J]

I was told by two different priests that birth control was allowed for medical reasons only…like for example if you have a medical condition relating to your reproductive organs. So for those of you saying that birth control (as in the pill) can never be morally used…there are strict stipulations to the rule. However you cannot use it to prevent pregnancies. I was told that whenever I get married, if I am still needing to be on the birth control, to remain abstinent during what would have been my fertile period to prevent any pill abortions and I would be fulfilling the moral rule. Also women who have conditions and abnormalities of the uterus that are threatening to life…like cancer…can have them removed!

People need to stop jumping down other’s throats

I know this doesn’t help the OP much, and I"m sorry. I understand what you are going through. I’m a new catholic and this birth control issue is a real pain. Your life seems so hard and it is frustrating when people jump down your throat when are just looking for sympathy and to make it easier. Talk to your priest please.

This is horrilby off topic, but can’t let it slip by–you can’t tell when or if you “might” ovulate on the pill, it masks all signs of fertility…temps, mucous and cervix position–because of the hormones. Just FYI…

And to get back to the topic, no one on here has jumped down anyone’s throat, except for one harsh-ish post all the others have simply stated Church teaching. Contraception for the purpose of not having children is NOT allowed by the Church.

 

[funnyyetsavvy]

:grouphug: