Does the Church allow birth control in certain circumstances?
The short answer
Contraception, never: any act intended to render procreation impossible is intrinsically evil. But spouses may, for just reasons and without selfishness, space births by moral means, following objective criteria and practicing married chastity.
Contraception
If "birth control" means contraception, it is morally unacceptable. Every action that, before, during or after the conjugal act, intends to make procreation impossible is intrinsically evil (CCC 2370).
Responsible parenthood
For just reasons spouses may wish to space births, making sure the desire is not selfish but generous. Their behavior must follow objective criteria drawn from the nature of the person and his acts, respecting the full meaning of mutual self-giving and procreation; this requires married chastity practiced sincerely (CCC 2368).
Continue exploring
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