Surgical sterilization (including vasectomy)
The church strongly discourages surgical sterilization as an elective form of birth control. Surgical sterilization should be considered only if (1) medical conditions seriously jeopardize life or health or (2) birth defects or serious trauma have rendered a person mentally incompetent and not responsible for his or her actions. Such conditions must be determined by competent medical judgment and in accordance with law. Even then, the persons responsible for this decision should consult with each other and with their bishop and should receive divine confirmation of their decision through prayer. Source: Handbook 2: Adminstering the Church
So. If one of you decides that someone needs to get neutered because you've got more kids than money and sanity, you gotta go ask the bishop. Of course, if having all those kids has caused a woman serious trauma and she is no longer responsible for her actions, it's okay. But then who takes care of all the existing kids? It's a conundrum, for sure.
So, what does the CHI say about good old-fashioned hormonal birth control? I was never clear on that in my church days (because I didn't care).
ReplyDeleteI had no idea but I really shouldn't be surprised.
ReplyDeleteyou can find it all here:
ReplyDeletehttp://lds.org/handbook/handbook-2-administering-the-church?lang=eng
I have clarified on my own blog and will gladly repeat myself here with regards to the church's position on birth control:
ReplyDeleteThe number of children a couple choose to have is a private matter between them and the Lord, but the Lord will never reveal to a couple to go against the church teachings and have less children unless there are health related circumstances. In these instances contraceptives may be used. I would remind you of the First Presidency message given to the church in 1969:
"We seriously regret that there should exist a sentiment or feeling among any members of the Church to curtail the birth of their children. We have been commanded to multiply and replenish the earth that we may have joy and rejoicing in our posterity. Where husband and wife enjoy health and vigor and are free from impurities that would be entailed upon their posterity, it is contrary to the teachings of the Church artificially to curtail or prevent the birth of children. We believe that those who practice birth control will reap disappointment by and by."
Furthermore dear president Kimball said:
"The tendency for many of our married women to put off or to reduce their families is not pleasing to your Heavenly Father, for He said, 'multiply and replenish the earth,' and He knew what He was doing, and any of our personal opinions don't amount to much as compared to the wisdom of God."
It is important for every couple to consider the innocent spirit children waiting, hoping and praying to come to righteous Mormon families. It's terrible to think of them having to be born into families of non church members because of the selfishness of certain couples within the church.
Contraceptives therefore (where the husbands self control is absent) may be used temporarily to ensure the health of the mother. Vasectomies and having ones tubes tied are not temporary measures but are serious transgressions against the Lords command to multiply and replenish the Earth. Priesthood leaders should always be involved and authorize such decisions before they are made.
Oh, holy hell. This is why I don't go to church anymore.
ReplyDelete