Can a Catholic Use Birth Control for Health Reasons?

Understanding Catholic Doctrine on Birth Control

• Catholic Church distinguishes between moral judgments on human behavior vs. chemical compounds.
• Birth control is permissible under certain conditions for health reasons, not to impair fertility.

Non-Contraceptive Uses of Birth Control Pills

• Used for treating severe acne, hirsutism, painful periods, PMS, heavy bleeding, endometriosis.
• These uses are considered therapeutic.
• Caution: Treating symptoms might neglect underlying disease.

The Pill’s Designed Purpose

• Cripples reproductive system when used for intended contraceptive purposes.
• Considered opposite of healthcare due to severe side effects.

Principle of Double Effect

• Moral acceptance of birth control for health if no other treatment available.
• Good effect: Treatment of serious ailment.
• Evil effect: Health risks, neutralization of fertility.

Treating Acne with Birth Control Pills

• Acne often caused by androgen testosterone leading to excess sebum.
• Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) used for over 30 years.
• Types:
  • Androgenic: May promote acne.
  • Anti-androgenic: Reduce acne by lowering androgens.
• FDA approved brands for acne:
  • Ortho Tri-Cyclen
  • Estrostep
  • YAZ
• Side effects include stroke, heart attack, carcinogenic classification.

Moral Considerations

• Use of Pill for non-contraceptive purposes is licit but with moral risks.
• Single women may be tempted to engage in sexual activity.
• Risks: STDs, side effects, reputation loss, unplanned pregnancy.

Married Couples and Birth Control

• More complex for married couples with health-related pregnancy risks.
• Use periodic abstinence or consider severe health issues with Pill.
• Abstinence recommended due to abortifacient and contraceptive effects of Pill.

Summary and Recommendations

• Exercise prudence in using Pill for therapeutic reasons.
• Avoid temptation and maintain discipline.
• Support from partners crucial in managing health issues and abstinence.
• Example of sacrificial love in abstaining for health reasons.

This summary reflects the moral and health considerations outlined by Dr. Brian Clowes in the context of Catholic doctrine.