Questions and Answers on Sex and Marriage, Natural Fertility, and
Responsible Parenthood
Luton: Good Counsel, Catholic Truth Society, London, 2007
Page 9
Argument
The Church forbids contraception not because sex is bad, but because
it is a positive gift from God intended for both enjoyment and
procreation.
Response
The claim that contraception is wrong because sex is good raises
questions. Other religions also use divine reasoning to justify
taboos, such as dietary restrictions. The argument assumes that
using contraception will necessarily lead to negative consequences.
While the Church teaches that God links certain actions to
consequences, moral evaluation should consider both intentions and
outcomes rather than rely solely on appeals to divine punishment.
Page 11
Argument
The Church does not prohibit contraception to increase the number of
Catholic children, but because sex expresses total love, including
acceptance of fertility.
Response
The Church prioritizes religious principles over individual
preference in matters of reproduction. The expectation that sexual
love must always include acceptance of fertility is idealized and
may not reflect realistic human relationships. Moral obligations
should consider mutual consent and the well-being of both partners.
Page 12
Argument
Using contraception is a form of “mutilation” because fertility is
natural and not a disease.
Response
Not all natural conditions are beneficial in every context.
Preventing pregnancy may protect health or well-being. Classifying
contraception as “mutilation” ignores situations where fertility can
pose risks. Moral evaluation should consider the effects on the
individuals involved rather than rely on an abstract idea of natural
order.
Argument
The Church refuses to marry couples who plan to use contraception,
emphasizing the importance of children.
Response
Marriage decisions should be guided by mutual consent and practical
considerations. Forcing a couple to have children for religious
reasons may conflict with their personal well-being.
Page 15
Argument
Natural Family Planning (NFP) is only wrong if used for selfish
reasons.
Response
NFP can still impose religious constraints on couples. Choosing to
delay pregnancy for practical reasons, such as a vacation, does not
constitute moral wrongdoing and does not harm others.
Argument
Using NFP is morally superior to contraception.
Response
Both methods involve managing fertility; the moral difference is
based on religious doctrine rather than practical or ethical
considerations. Decisions about fertility can legitimately consider
health, well-being, and mutual consent.
Page 16
Argument
NFP is safer than other methods, which can cause infections.
Response
Contraception, including barrier methods, can prevent disease
transmission and protect health. Prioritizing religious doctrine
over health considerations may put individuals at risk.
Page 17
Argument
NFP does not reduce marital love; self-control in sex is beneficial.
Response
Sexual intimacy serves multiple purposes, including emotional
bonding. Restricting sexual activity for doctrinal reasons may
reduce satisfaction or strain relationships.
Page 18
Argument
Overpopulation is not a concern; famine results from human greed.
Response
Even if current resources are sufficient, population growth may pose
future challenges. A rigid opposition to contraception may limit
adaptive solutions.
Argument
Catholics believe that using contraception may result in eternal
punishment.
Response
Moral responsibility should consider proportionality and context.
Framing contraception as eternally punishable can create fear-based
compliance rather than informed moral decision-making.
Page 19
Argument
Contraception offends the proper use of sex, which is a gift of God.
Response
The issue concerns the use of fertility, not sexual activity itself.
Moral evaluation should consider consent, harm, and intention rather
than categorically forbidding contraception.
Page 21
Argument
Contraception is always wrong, similar to rape or racism.
Response
Unlike inherently harmful acts such as rape or discrimination,
contraception can serve protective or practical purposes. Moral
absolutism does not adequately address context or consequences.
Argument
Using contraception or losing virginity before marriage is among the
most serious sins.
Response
While repentance is emphasized in Catholic teaching, categorizing
certain acts as exceptionally sinful may create disproportionate
pressure and moral anxiety.
Page 27
Argument
Is it cruel to ask someone to give all their money to the poor? No.
Response
This is a matter of ethical judgment and proportionality. The
comparison to religious rules regarding contraception illustrates
the difference between moral ideals and practical human needs.