Catholics only...Birth control in certain instances???

Question

My first pregnancy was very difficult...it could have killed me...I am afraid to try for another...is it still wrong for me to use birth control??? At what point do I have to open again for children???

Answer 1

--Is Catholic--

First, the above poster is completely wrong. There is no legitimate usage of a condom in sexual activity.

"Birth control" is a fairly loaded word and actually it applies to several different methods which need to be taken separately. There is a difference between preventing pregnancy and allowing pregnancy to occur only during certain times.

All methods of birth control that that are preventative, the pill, hormone therapy, prophylactics, spermicide, etc. are completely against the Catholic Faith (not simply against teaching but against the Faith). This is because they act directly to frustrate the plan of God, frustrate the unative aspect of marriage, or actually act as abortifacts.

This doesn't mean that Catholic women are simply baby making machines. What this means is that Catholic married couples have a duty and a responsibility to use their sexuality in an appropriate and reasoned fashion. It means understanding your own sexuality and your husband's sexuality in a much higher manner and applying the sexuality and the sexual act in a manner that both enriches and increases your family life.

Being open to children doesn't simply mean making babies at every possible moment. Being open calls for maturity and the understanding that the sexual act can give rise to children.

Because you are a rational human being, you do not need to employ the sexual act all the time, rather you can choose to employ it when you are not fertile.

For your case then, I would suggest looking into NFP, especially one which is taught by a solid Catholic group. NFP is very useful in your situation, especially when it is used correctly. NFP is not simply a means to controlling birth, for if done this way it can become sinful, but rather it is a means for the education of a couple about their sexuality and a brining of them into a more mature practice of their sexuality.

Let me also suggest these books

Good News About Sex and Marriage by West

Love and Responsibility by Pope John Paul II (difficult read but worthwhile.)

Answer 2

Artificial Birth Control is absolutely out of the question. There are still natural forms of birth control that the Church not only accepts - it endorses.

Answer 3

From what I understand of Catholic doctrine, you can use a condom only if your partner is hiv+ and, of coarde, the partner has to be your spouse.
If you're worried about using birth control, how about some of the more natural 'timing' methods that are Church-approved?

Answer 4

I am sorry about your first time problems. I do not belive in birth control because giving birth to childern is what we are called to do. Remember that God has a plan for you, and your childern, and He shall protect you if it is His will.