The following comes from an Aug. 17 posting on the blogsite of the New Theological Movement.
Recently, I had a discussion about proper administration of the sacrament of Penance regarding a man who confesses having had a vasectomy. This is the question: must the man who receives a vasectomy, in order to receive absolution validly seek a reversal of the vasectomy?
The simple answer – “Is a reversal required for absolution?” – “No, a reversal is not always required, but YES it is often required as following from true sorrow for the sin.” However, there is much to consider.
In answering this question, we will also answer the related question: Can I be forgiven for having a tubal ligation?
Before discussing the question of whether a reversal is required for the absolution of a vasectomy, we must note that sterility (whether by nature, by force, or by choice) is not an impediment to marriage….
If a man is perpetually impotent, he cannot contract marriage. This is an impediment which cannot be lifted by the Church, i.e. there is no dispensation which can be granted to allow a man who is truly and perpetually impotent to marry.
If a man is merely sterile, he can contract marriage. In fact, he does not even need any dispensation at all. It is only required that, if he knows of his condition, he inform his future wife (can. 1098).
In a subsequent article, we will consider the history of the development of the Church’s teaching on sterilization, but for now it will suffice to state that a vasectomy (and clearly also a tubal ligation) causes sterility and not impotence. For impotence is the inability either to effect penetration, or even with penetration to complete the act with the emission of semen.
Now, the general consensus of theologians is that the emission which occurs after a vasectomy suffices for a “potent” marital act, even though it lacks spermatozoa – hence, the man is not impotent by virtue of a vasectomy….
What then is necessary in order to be forgiven for a vasectomy? Repentance. True sorrow is the sole absolute requirement.
However, we do maintain that there are many cases in which a reversal is at least highly recommended and (on a moral level) even required….
If a man is truly sorry for having committed a vasectomy, and if he is easily able to get it reversed, then he will clearly get it reversed. Indeed, if a man could easily get a reversal but refuses, we must ask the question: Why not get a reversal? Is it because he enjoys having sex which has no hope of procreation? If so, then he is clearly not repentant for having obtained the vasectomy in the first place – and then he cannot be absolved, since he lacks contrition.
Nevertheless, if there is some good and just reason why a reversal cannot easily be obtained, then there is no need to get a reversal in order to receive absolution.
What is clearly not permissible is for a man to get a vasectomy and then fain sorrow thereafter so as to receive absolution – there are no “loopholes” into heaven. If a man is sorry for his sin, he tries to rectify the situation, and (if the procedure is safe and easy) this would mean a reversal of the vasectomy….
To read the entire posting, click here.
I have six kids, but Many years ago I almost got a V after my first child because I heard other young dads talking about “getting snipped”. I am a confirmed catholic and I did not know a V was immoral. My doctor required a long lead for scheduling a V which allowed me to come to my senses.
News flash from last week: It costs $245,000 to raise a child to age 18, not counting college costs. Will the Church pick up the tab for the costs of the “uh-oh” babies who arrive by mistake thanks to its no birth control teaching? Birth control, except abortion, is a licit way to plan your family .with your marriage, finances, and sanity in mind. The days of large families in Western countries is over.
No
Please fully read what our Church teaches, regarding the Sacrament of Marriage, and the reasons why husbands and wives are required to submit their lives to God, in that Sacramental union– which includes total, loving acceptance, of all the children, which God may send them! Christian Marriage is NOT based on Western secular, hedonist, worldly life, ideas, or philosophy!! It is based on Christ! Christian Marriage is a Sacramental pathway to union with God! The Catholic Marriage, home, and family, belongs to God! In Christian Marriage, one must never use that Sacrament for worldly hedonism, or selfish pleasure!! All pleasure is a secondary matter, in God’s Creation! First things, first– all things in Life are God’s, and must be directed in accordance with His Divine Will! NOT “misdirected” according to ignorant, selfish human desires, and egoism! The Catholic married couple must first seek God’s Will, in all they do! Artificial birth control is a sin, but ABSTINENCE is always just fine! Many NFP programs are available, in Catholic parishes. Even Blessed Mother Teresa taught NFP– Natural Family Planning, in India!
Linda,
Excellent repy; however even NFP can be sinfully misused. There must be a serious reason to use even NFP!
May God have mercy on an amoral Amerika!
Viva Cristo Rey!
Yours in Their Hearts,
Kenneth M. Fisher
Excellent comments Linda Maria. God bless you!
Numbers in that article are obviously inflated. The biggest “expense” is in Housing and Food. Excuse me, but aren’t parents already living in a residence and eating meals there?! Please do some homework in who issued that piece and what their agenda is. It’s a scare piece, and it looks like they were successful.
Anonymous, it sounds to me as if your god is money and your religion is materialism. ‘Good luck’ with that. :(
Seems like an obvious question, actually. Of course he should try to have the procedure reversed.
I had a vasectomy at age 32 and had it reversed at age 55.
Had it after four kids for what I thought were good reasons – three of four kids had handicaps and chances were 50% future kids would be also be handicapped. I knew the Church taught vasectomies were wrong but never heard why at the parish level. Plus I’d seen other Catholic men get them for less compelling reasons.
After a deepening of my Catholic faith (thanks Catholic radio) I realized I had to take it to confession. The priest surprised me when he asked “have you thought of having it reversed?” I knew it wasn’t required and I was an older man and my wife was past menopause – certainly no need to have it reversed. He said “think about it” and gave me absolution. I promised I would.
Found it would cost about $5K. I could afford that – I’d spent more than $5K on many other things in the past.
What finally convinced me was hearing Dr. Janet Smith’s presentation “Contraception, why not?” about how contraception screws up the body chemistry and effects the attraction between men and women. Looking back I had to admit that my wife was much less receptive to sexual relations AFTER the vasectomy.
So for both noble and base reasons I had it reversed. Relations with wife greatly improved – soul is at peace. Big thanks Dr. Polito.
Hope this helps.