Educational Resource
Life Issues Forum: Practical Steps to a Healthier Marriage by Theresa Notare (2006)
Life Issues Forum article
Practical Steps to a Healthier Marriage by Theresa Notare, Assistant Director of the Diocesan Development Program for Natural Family Planning, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, November 11, 2006
This article argues that contraception is harmful to both individuals and marriages. A healthier marriage is achieved by following the Church's teaching on sexuality and openness to life, especially through Natural Family Planning (NFP).
Health Concerns About Contraception
- Contraception interferes with natural biological processes.
- It can cause side effects, ranging from minor (e.g., weight gain) to serious (e.g., blood clots, strokes).
- The contraceptive patch may increase exposure to estrogen, raising health risks.
Impact on Marital Relationships
- Contraception undermines the “total self-gift” of spouses
- Separates the unitive (love) and procreative (life-giving) aspects of marriage
- By intentionally excluding openness to life, couples diminish the fullness of marital intimacy.
Broader Social Consequences
- Sexual dysfunction
- Rise in sexually transmitted diseases
- Increased cohabitation, divorce, and family instability
- Greater acceptance of pornography and abortion
Catholic Teaching on Marriage
- Marriage is a complete, faithful, and life-giving union
- Marriage is oriented toward both love between spouses and openness to children