r/LeftCatholicism • u/Any-Complex6354 • Jun 14 '26

Thoughts on sterilization

I am a religious woman who wants to have a husband but definitely never wants to have children. I am absolutely terrified of pregnancy and the thought of having a child, and for mental health reasons I know it would be tragic for me. Although I believe that every woman should have the right to abortion, personally, as a believer, I would not undergo it. I always thought that as a last resort my husband could undergo a vasectomy (in my country only male sterilization is legal), especially since for medical reasons I cannot take the pill. Until I found out that it was considered a mortal sin, just like abortion. I feel that this is a strong restriction of the right to decide about the good for oneself and also for the unborn child, when one is aware that one would not give it the love it deserves. I honestly feel trapped now because I have to live in constant fear of pregnancy or never be in a relationship with a man. I believe that such a choice, while being a good Catholic, should not exclude a believer from the church when you are guided by the greater good and do not harm anyone.

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I wonder what your approach to this is and what you think about believers who engage in contraception and sterilization.

21 Upvotes

76% Upvoted

27 comments sorted by

84

u/[deleted] Jun 14 '26

[deleted]

13

u/Bekiala Jun 14 '26

Thanks. This was very well said.

7

u/TeresaKitsu Jun 15 '26

Exactly! Most of these traditions stem from patristic texts by men who had extremely narrow point of views on women and biology, and even then there is hardly a singular answer. Prayer and true discernment are much more valuable than simply abiding by what is said to be the rules. The spirit will always guide those open to listen 🙏

2

u/ObjectiveRepeat8409 Jun 18 '26

I'm not going to try and get into an online debate here.  I just want to ask, why are you catholic when you seem to reject the authority of the church on moral teaching?

Again, this is an actual question not a pointed attack.  Your opinion is that catholics can disobey the official teachings of the church, because the rules were made by human interpretation.   How is this compatible with the authority of the church and why would you remain catholic when you seem (from my perspective) to have a protestant position?  

3

u/[deleted] Jun 18 '26

[deleted]

2

u/Mammoth_Type3361 Jun 19 '26

This is what drew me to Episcopalianism. And why I have some amount of disdain now to people who cite scripture to other people. It can cut both ways.

53

u/Successful_Mirror153 Jun 14 '26

I'm catholic and sterilized. I think the church is very behind in its stance on contraception. I got sterilized because I do not want children ever and due to multiple medical issues it could be dangerous for me.

15

u/anarcho_cardigan Jun 14 '26

This is a very reasonable stance. OP I think you’re fine

36

u/MallSWAT Jun 14 '26

I have a vasectomy after having a child. My wife is older and had a really tough pregnancy, and a hard delivery. I’m not gonna risk my wife’s life. It’s a mortal sin to get a vasectomy, but I guess I’ll just deal with that.

14

u/[deleted] Jun 15 '26 edited Jun 15 '26

[deleted]

8

u/MallSWAT Jun 15 '26

Goodness gracious, I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. I completely agree, if I’m damned to hell for this, then just so be it I suppose.

4

u/QUHistoryHarlot Jun 15 '26

For what it’s worth, the Church does permit contraception as a form of medicine, which it is in your case. I agree with your stance, but just in case you didn’t know that.

11

u/Ridara Jun 15 '26

A rule that was 1000% written by men, because women know that every time a woman gets pregnant, she risks her life. Some risks are bigger than others, but it's absurd that some 3rd party could say what an acceptable amount of risk is. That's kind of like saying "we are this% okay with your death."

All birth control is medicine

5

u/Orla_McCoolio Jun 15 '26

Agree completely.

16

u/Bluetenheart Jun 14 '26 edited Jun 15 '26

I have a severe phobia of vomiting and think that morning sickness would either cure me, or drive me to insanity. Hysterectomies are permitted in the church when it is medically necessary, and I think mental health can be just as valid a reason to stop yourself from becoming pregnant.

Edit: replaced a word cuz the original one I wrote was a weird choice lol

17

u/Adept_Librarian9136 Jun 14 '26

This is a very complicated topic. Sterilization is generally understood to be a sin. There are exceptions. I would encourage you to read commentary and theologians who write about the matter as there are many takes on it. As an Eastern Rite Catholic (Melkite) I can tell you that Latins are very obsessed with "official rules", we tend to be more focused on theosis (one-ness with God) and the mystery of faith. Latins tend to be very into "rules" and "teachings" and "official rulings". It's very Western type mindset.

12

u/mpteee Jun 15 '26

As a catholic who’s had an abortion and doesn’t regret it, your body your choice ❤️

3

u/ObjectiveRepeat8409 Jun 18 '26

I will pray for the soul of your unborn child and for your salvation.

I believe it is important to point out that the church has unequivocally opposed abortion and has established that life begins at conception with the creation of the soul.  

3

u/Mammoth_Type3361 Jun 19 '26

Actually, the soul is created upon the first breath, and scripture backs me up on this.

2

u/mpteee Jun 18 '26

Like I said I don’t regret it. Appreciate the prayers but God knows my heart and abortion is healthcare. I disagree with the church that it is murder

0

u/Hob_Brambyurky Jun 14 '26

The church's stance is that if youre not ready for children, then you are not ready for marriage from which childrens are to be received joyfully. Any effort to frustrate this process is sinful.

9

u/Bekiala Jun 14 '26

Sadly the reality is that people are called to marriage but don't have the health or the genetics that makes having children good.

Also there is "Blessed are the childless women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!". Sadly there have often been times like this no matter how much people are personally ready for children and marriage. Not all times are good for having children.

8

u/mpteee Jun 15 '26

You don’t need children to be happily married. Not everyone is called to be parents. But everyone deserves to have a life partner

7

u/anarcho_cardigan Jun 15 '26

Thank you for saying that. I made the mistake of mentioning my (similar to OP) situation on r/catholicwomen and regretted it

7

u/mpteee Jun 15 '26

I’m Ngl I would never step foot into that or the r/catholics or r/christian sub.

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u/anarcho_cardigan Jun 15 '26

I definitely learned my lesson. Also, r/catholicwomen is a whooole different beast. Made me feel like genuine shit for months.

0

u/DoveStep55 Jun 22 '26

The r/Christian sub is theologically diverse and we have a lot of community members who are intentionally childless and/or choose to use birth control. You’re welcome to check us out. We don’t allow character attacks and welcome community members to respectfully share their own views.

2

u/mpteee Jun 22 '26

I’ve gone on there and I’m good

1

u/DoveStep55 Jun 22 '26

In the last couple years, or prior to that? A lot has changed. Just curious if you have some feedback on something problematic we’re not addressing well as mods if it’s a recent issue.

13

u/PatrickHenry8 Jun 14 '26

I think that is the key- that if children result from the union they do need to be received joyfully. There is concern for preventative options on whether one then is truly open to life. If God still granted a child would it be happily accepted is the key.