What is the requirement for sterilization reversal?

[Dan_Grelinger]

Is there a moral requirement for Catholics to reverse surgical sterilization once they discern that it is a grave moral error? I perused the Catechism and only found this:

2375 Research aimed at reducing human sterility is to be encouraged, on condition that it is placed "at the service of the human person, of his inalienable rights, and his true and integral good according to the design and will of God."166

2379 The Gospel shows that physical sterility is not an absolute evil. Spouses who still suffer from infertility after exhausting legitimate medical procedures should unite themselves with the Lord’s Cross, the source of all spiritual fecundity. They can give expression to their generosity by adopting abandoned children or performing demanding services for others.

Although not explicitly stated, it is possible that these teachings apply to couples no matter how the sterility occurred. If that is the case, then the reversal of vasectomies and tubal ligations would seem to be the best moral path. I was looking for analogies to help me and the best I could come up with was if, in a period of self abuse, I dismembered myself, having realized I made a mistake, and being offered the opportunity at being whole again, I think I should have to take it.

Dan

 

[vluvski]

Theologians agree that reversal is not required of someone who has repented of the act. This is due to expense, risk, and efficacy of reversals.

That doesn’t mean someone shouldn’t, but that they are not obligated to do so.

 

[CHTRCwebmaster]

Many women have no cause to repent as the sterilization was often done under stress and pressure from others.

Theologians will need to rethink that reversal is not required due to expense, risk, and efficacy of reversals.

Though this may have been true in years gone by now tubal ligation reversal is possible in nearly all women via a low cost outpatient procedure.

source: tubal-reversal.net/

 

[Dan_Grelinger]

Many women have no cause to repent as the sterilization was often done under stress and pressure from others.

If stress and pressure from others releases us from moral culpability, then we are all saved! Everyone endures stress and must interact with others that try to influence us.

Alas, I don’t believe we are so lucky. We are not ‘victims’. We have free wills to do what is right. Just because the devil tempts us, we are not excused. “The devil made me do it” was as ridiculous in the 60’s as it is now.

Dan

 

[mamanicky]

tubal ligation reversal is possible in nearly all women via a low cost outpatient procedure.

I think the official stance still applies for those of us to whom $6,000 is not considered low-cost. Many private insurance companies do not cover any portion of this, leaving a rather large hole in the pocketbook. (although I have heard that Blue Cross does cover it, and consequently a number of women have signed up in order to get the reversal and then cancelled the policy afterward)

My thought is that if God wishes you to have this procedure, he will help you find the means to afford it.

I know that I would be thrilled if I were able to afford it, as my tubal was unfortunately in direct reaction to the great blessing that is twins. I had to go to an information class, in which they commented that some religions saw sterilization as wrong, but never said which or why… I now feel that I was poorly informed.

 

[mamanicky]

If stress and pressure from others releases us from moral culpability, then we are all saved!.. “The devil made me do it” was as ridiculous in the 60’s as it is now.

Okay, in the sense that one is stressed over life’s little challenges, you’re right, that is absurd… what I believed the intent to be was more along the lines of young, naiive women being pressured into doing something through coersion, fear, and the like. Women are often told that their body can not tolerate another pregnancy, that it would be fatal, and they agree to sterilization because they think they are protecting their bodies (which we are called to do).

This really is a very complicated topic, but all Catholics should agree that sterilization solely because one feels they have enough children and don’t want any more is morally wrong.

In the case of someone who is naiive, someone who has strayed from God, or someone who was tempted by the Devil’s tubal ligation minions… If they have contrition and seek forgiveness, God will forgive them. If they are too naiive to seek forgiveness, God will forgive them. We have all screwed up somehow, and the cleansing flames of purgatory will re-order any loose ends we were too naiive to think to correct.

 

[Texas_Roofer]

My understanding is reversal is not required nor is attempted reversal. It is not possible to “unsin” it is possible stop participating in sinful behavior. The “surgery” or other form once committed may be physically reversible but the moral aspect is not reversible. I do not see how the issue is affected by Male or Female. As with all sin confession and contrition are the teachings.

You should note the Church is against test tube babies, which may seem unrelated to you, however the point is the Church does not encourage getting babies in any and every way, but rather following God’s plan. ( that is the issue in 2375) In 2379 the issue is natural forms ( to include accidents/damage) as impotence, etc… If a spouse is unable to bear, the marriage commitment is fulfilled provided the spouse has made a reasonable effort to provide the expect fruits of marriage.

 

[puzzleannie]

Is there a moral requirement for Catholics to reverse surgical sterilization once they discern that it is a grave moral error? I perused the Catechism and only found this:

Dan

there is no absolute requirement that the surgery be reversed. iChallenge whoever tells you otherwise to provide an authorotative source. that is a medical decision as to whether it is possible or recommended. You can’t reverse a hysterectomy, although there may be medical reasons to reverse a tubal or vasectomy due to their side effects. The priest in confession may give you counsel on how to incorporate correct understanding of the marriage act in your relationship, which should be followed, but he likely won’t make reversal a condition for absolution. This topic has also been discussed very recently. Try the family forum.

 

[otjm]

If stress and pressure from others releases us from moral culpability, then we are all saved! Everyone endures stress and must interact with others that try to influence us.

Alas, I don’t believe we are so lucky. We are not ‘victims’. We have free wills to do what is right. Just because the devil tempts us, we are not excused. “The devil made me do it” was as ridiculous in the 60’s as it is now.

Dan

Then you might want to explore a little futher into moral theology, as the issue of culpability may be a bit more complex than you have been given to understand. The Church legitimately holds that stress and pressure may (not does) reduce or release one from moral culpability.

Any given individual reacts to stress somewhat differently than another; some are capable of dealing with great stress; others are not. In addition, what causes stress to one may not to another, or to a much lesser (or greater) degree.

In addition, there are many people who simply do not know what the Church teaches, or have been misinformed, which further may result in lesser or no culpability.

Free will has never been held to be the only issue in culpability. Further, the issue is not anywhere so clearly as the “devil tempted me”.

 

[Dan_Grelinger]

Then you might want to explore a little futher into moral theology, as the issue of culpability may be a bit more complex than you have been given to understand. The Church legitimately holds that stress and pressure may (not does) reduce or release one from moral culpability.

Depending on the assumptions that each of us make about a particular situation, we both can be right. My assumptions are consistent with those who I know have undergone sterilization, and I assume that it is not unreasonable to assume that they apply in most cases today. In these cases, the pressure was only the ‘fear’ that another child would be born, and that sacrifices (no new cars, fewer golf games, no early retirement) would have to be made. In all cases, the families would not suffer undue hardship having another child. Yes, I am sure that one spouse suggested (pressured?) the procedure. Any yes, there was stress when thinking about raising an additional child, when is there not? That stress naturally comes with parenthood. Free will was given to us, let us encourage people to use it instead of encouraging them to wallow in victimhood. That is the greater good.

Dan

 

[puzzleannie]

in discussing culpability for a mortal sin, bear in mind that even though there may have been factors that reduced or even eliminated an individual’s guilt, ability to freely consent, free will choice to commit the sin, objectively the act still remains gravely wrong, and the damage done by the sin still remains and must be addressed. For instance, a couple resorts to surgical sterilization under pressure from doctors because the wife has a serious health issue, and they never got a good explanation of the reasons why this is objectively immoral. Even though they may not be completely guilty, or guilty at all, the damage to marital unity has still been done, not to mention the physical effects of the surgery whic can be grave, the rupture in intimacy, the failure of trust and reliance on God and its damage to their spirituality etc.

 

[Katie1723]

To answer the question posed in the thread title…a good GYN doctor is all that’s required.
Kathy