When is a hysterectomy okay?

[fruitful_vine]

I’m a 34-year-old mom of nine kids, My children range in age of 12 to infant. I have always had heavy, irregular periods, but over the last few years they have gotten far worse. I’m anemic (even though I take iron supplements). This large amount of blood loss has made me weak and dizzy. I feel unable to function as a whole person due to my weakened state. Plus, during my period, I can’t leave the house without worrying that I will have an accident. I feel as though I’m not doing a good job as a mom because I can’t physically do simple activities without getting light-headed or needing to sit down. My doctors (I’ve seen two) feel I should get a hysterectomy so my bleeding will stop. They believe the bleeding is due to my uterus being worn out from the large number of children. I’m not sure that this is enough reason to get a hysterectomy. Is this morally okay?

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

From what you’ve said here, it sounds to me that the intention of the hysterectomy would be to prevent severe blood loss for someone who has anemia; it does not sound as if the intention is sterilization (to destroy fertility). Sterilization seems to be an unintended side effect and not the purpose of the procedure. If that is indeed the case, then a hysterectomy may be morally licit. Keep in mind though that I am not a medical bioethics expert, so I strongly recommend that you consult with one before proceeding. You can do so by calling the National Catholic Bioethics Center.