By Rev. Fr. Petros Mwale (Mzuzu Diocese – MALAWI)
INTRODUCTION
The Church believes that artificial contraception is sinful and immoral and may frustrate a divine plan to bring a new life into the world. Instead of using birth control methods such as the pill, IUDs, diaphragms, and condoms, Christ’s faithful can use Natural Family Planning (NFP) techniques.
MORALITY vs ARTIFICIAL CONTRACEPTION
- Work as Arbotifacient.
For the Church, the worst aspect of birth control pills is that many of them aren’t true contraceptives; they don’t prevent the sperm and egg from conceiving. Instead, they work as an abortifacient, causing the uterus to eject potentially fertilized eggs. Remember: life begins at conception, any fertilized egg is an embryo and a human person.
- Against Nature & Purpose of marriage
Artificial contraception is morally wrong, because each and every sex act can occur only between husband and wife and must be directed toward two ends: love and life, that is, the intimate unity between the man and woman (love) and possibly procreating another human being (life). Conception and pregnancy don’t have to occur each time, but no man-made barriers should prevent what God may intend to happen.
- Unity & Procreation is compromised
When love and life — unity and procreation — are separated, then sex becomes an end in itself rather than a means to an end. Birth control makes sex recreational (like entertainment hahahaha), and removing what may be perceived as the “danger” of pregnancy means that couples no longer need to communicate about when and when not to have sex and whether they want or can afford another child. Discussions on this topic can actually strengthen the marriage.
THE NATURAL ALTERNATIVE TO CONTRACEPTION
The Church permits and encourages married couples to space births and plan how big or small their families will be by using Natural Family Planning (NFP). By using natural science — taking body temperature, checking body fluids, and using some computations — a woman can determine with 95 percent accuracy when to have sex and not get pregnant. A woman is fertile during approximately seven to ten days per cycle and is infertile the rest of the time (thus better huh!).
ADVANTAGES OF NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING
When practiced properly, NFP is as effective as any artificial birth control method. And it’s not difficult to learn. Mother Theresa taught poor, illiterate Indian women how to effectively use NFP. In addition, no prescription and no expensive devices are involved, so it’s easy on the budget. NO health hazards!
SIDE EFFECTS OF ARTIFICIAL CONTRACEPTION
These side effects might be enough to deter some women from taking contraceptives, but many women are just not aware of them (timawabisa ~ sad), while others justify the side effects because the methods seem convenient.
- Increased risk of cervical and breast cancers.
- Increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Migraines (mutu kuwawa mbali imodzi)
- Higher blood pressure.
- Gall bladder disease.
- Infertility.
- Benign liver tumors. (zotupa)
- Decreased bone density.
- Yeast overgrowth and infection (candida)
- Increased risk of blood clotting.
- Larger breasts.
- Weight gain or loss.
- Reduced or increased acne (pimples , oily skin, and possible scarring)
- Slight nausea.
- Emotional sensitivity right before your period.
- Mood swings throughout your cycle.
- Irregular bleeding or spotting.
- Breast tenderness.
- Decreased libido.
- Not 100% effective (condom).
- Its sinful. CONCLUSION
The true teaching of Holy Mother Church on birth control has openly found Her voice and regained Her influence at the pulpits once again through this document. Share and save a soul. Love your body, these dangerous chemicals are poisonous to the temple of the Holy Spirit ~ 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.
Receive my priestly blessings from St. Cecilia Catholic Parish (Mpherembe)
Rev. Fr. Petros Mwale (Mzuzu Diocese – MALAWI: Feedback WhatsApp only +265 884 150 185)
SOURCES
Devettere, Raymond J. Practical Decision Making in Health Care Ethics: Cases, Concepts, and the Virtue of Prudence, (4th Ed.). Georgetown: University Press. 2016
Kippley, John; Sheila Kippley (1996). The Art of Natural Family Planning (4th ed.). Cincinnati, OH: The Couple to Couple League. 1996
Humanae vitae: Encyclical of Pope Paul VI on the Regulation of Birth, July 25, 1968
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2nd ed. Washington DC: United States Catholic Conference, 2000
Catholic Doctrines 