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  • Title: Bishops reaffirm Humanae Vitae as "the authentic and constant teaching of the Magisterium".
    Author: National Conference of Catholic Bishops. Committee for Pro-Life Activities.
    Journal: CCL Family Found; 1993; 20(2):10-1. PubMed ID: 12318433.
    Abstract:
    The US National Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee for Pro-Life Activities reaffirm the 25-year old "Humanae Vitae." According to the secular world, sexual intercourse is a natural response to human instinct and need and contraception is a means to separate sexual intercourse from unwanted pregnancy and to free people from religious teachings. The true nature of human sexuality is understanding of human life and the human spirit. Sexual intercourse cannot be disconnected from the nature and dignity of human life and the means by which life is conveyed. The foundation of this encyclical is natural law as revealed by God. The Catholic church upholds this law through its teachings. Sexual intercourse is a couple's dignified expression of love for one another. Marital love reflects God's love, so marriage leads to union with God. Love between spouses stabilizes marriage and allows couples to make responsible decisions about birth spacing and family size. They celebrate their love via sexual intercourse and are open to life each time they have intercourse. There are 2 inseparable goods of marital intercourse: procreation and strengthening of interpersonal unity. Married couples want to share their life and love in creating new life and building a family . Parenthood is both a privilege and responsibility. Each child is a child of God with invaluable dignity who God calls to fulfill his/her human destiny and to be active in the Church's mission. Responsible parenthood intimates openness to life. Parents should be free to make family planning decisions while considering their duty to God, themselves, family, and society. Unproven claims about population growth and cultural attitudes debasing the value of children comprise the couple's freedom. Nonmarital cohabitation, abortion, illegitimate pregnancy, and divorce reflect confusion over human sexuality. The family is the basic unit of society. Natural family planning allows couples to have a richer appreciation of human sexuality and of their own relationship and enhances their openness to childbearing. The Bishops renew their commitment to respect for human life.
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