Can a Catholic couple choose to not have children, just as long as they use Natural Family Planning?
Sunday, January 15th, 2012 at
4:05 pm
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Yes.
In his Angelus address on July 17, 1994, Pope John Paul II restated the Church’s position:
"Unfortunately, Catholic thought is often misunderstood … as if the Church supported an ideology of fertility at all costs, urging married couples to procreate indiscriminately and without thought for the future. But one need only study the pronouncements of the Magisterium to know that this is not so.
Truly, in begetting life the spouses fulfill one of the highest dimensions of their calling: they are God’s co-workers. Precisely for this reason they must have an extremely responsible attitude. In deciding whether or not to have a child, they must not be motivated by selfishness or carelessness, but by a prudent, conscious generosity that weighs the possibilities and circumstances, and especially gives priority to the welfare of the unborn child.
Therefore, when there is a reason not to procreate, this choice is permissible and may even be necessary. However, there remains the duty of carrying it out with criteria and methods that respect the total truth of the marital act in its unitive and procreative dimension, as wisely regulated by nature itself in its biological rhythms. One can comply with them and use them to advantage, but they cannot be "violated" by artificial interference."
Judeo-Christian tradition has taught for thousands of years:
1. Single people should be celibate.
2. Married people should be faithful to each other (adultery is wrong).
3. Married couples should welcome God’s gift of children and, therefore, artificial birth control is against the will of God.
Here is the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop’s website on Natural Family Planning: http://www.usccb.org/prolife/issues/nfp/
With love in Christ.
There is no rule that says a married couple must produce children. Yes, NFP can be used, but it is not the most successful method of birth control; and it is highly intrusive on a couple’s personal sex life. No church should be able to dictate to people in this manner.
Yes, I believe it is fine. I would ask your parish priest or maybe a local convent. They know and can help.
God Bless
Both previous answers are wrong. There is indeed a rule that married couples must be open to the conception of children. Choosing not to have children invalidates the marriage.
read the bible