Was I right when I refused to have my tubes tied?
I would like to know your stand on Fallopian tubes ligature and vasectomy. I think doctors rely too much on this method of contraception. I have four children. When my third child was born, if I had not been so young, the gynecologist would have tied my tubes. Immediately after childbirth, one does not feel like making such a radical decision. At the time of my fourth child, all I was being told about was ligature and that appeared to be the only solution for me. I had almost made up my mind when I met with my doctor. He was not willing to perform the ligature. He had me wait for two months. Meanwhile, I thought the matter over and decided against the operation. At this time, I want another child. But I don't know what I will think three or four years from now.
Fallopian tubes ligature... Vasectomy...
Words unheard of in the past; now topics of the day!
Sad facts!
But to oppose them is taboo.
I do not mean to condemn without distinctions. I do not feel like fighting at daggers drawn over this.
I just want to point out that the Church may indeed have some light to shed on the subject. The light comes as a surprise when the cold wind of reality tends to blow out any flame from above.
However, it is not a matter of blind obedience to the Church's directives. Reason itself disapproves of artificial means of contraception; nature stands for the defense of its laws, especially when it comes to vasectomy and ligature of the oviducts. Are they not bodily mutilations, the destruction of a power entrusted by the Creator to men and women? Can one violate one's body and get away with it?
The Church encourages natural means of birth control like the sympto-thermic method and the method based on the observation of the cervical mucus. These methods are being constantly improved and made reliable in spite of insufficient research for lack of funds.
Besides opposing artificial methods, the Church favors responsible parenthood according to God's plan!
Since this doctrine is not merely an abstract notion, but affects men and women facing concrete problems, it must be applied with a down-to-earth pastoral approach. Without compromising on principles, there is room for discussion and dialogue. The main point is a call to surpass oneself with Christ's help.
I am glad, for you who wrote the letter, that a doctor was thoughtful enough to help you put off a decision you might have regretted.
Sensing that you were not ready to go all the way at the moment, he helped you make the first steps.
Because you left the door open to life, according to God's plan, your fourth child came into the world and maybe another one will have this grace! Did not the Pope say that the life of a child is worth more than a small increase of material comfort?