Originally Posted by lmclanahan@verizon.net
Wow, I just *cannot* let this one go by! We converted to the Catholic Church two years ago, and this statement is just NOT TRUE. Sorry, but this is how they get a bad rap!
The Catholic Church *is* against most forms of artificial birth control, especially the pill, because a fertilized egg (i.e. a miniature human being who already has a soul in their belief) may be discarded by its intended action. However, you are free to use NFP, which is about 99% effective, when used correctly, even *better* than the pill.
The whole gist is that you and your spouse are supposed to talk about and pray about this *monthly* and decide at that point if this is a good time to open the opportunity for life. If you think it is, and you have no serious reasons for not having a child, you go ahead. If you have a serious reason, INCLUDING FINANCIAL PROBLEMS, you are able to use NFP for that cycle, without fear of sin, or any kind of disapproval from the Catholic Church.
Your statement is simply wrong, sorry, but it is, and I cannot let it go unchallenged.
There are TONS of Catholic members who use NFP and do not have 8 or more children. I personally know at least 5 women right now who would LOVE to be blessed, and the Lord has just said no. For someone to look at their families and judge them, is so sad. They are open to life, but it is not to be. :-(
Many Catholic families *would* be larger, but they have secondary infertility. I am hoping right now that I am not one of them. :-( Your comment hurt me. I would love to have eight children, and it may not be in the cards for me. I will be 35 in June, and my oldest is now 14 1/2.
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