AboutEdward Bode Expertise Catholic dogma, especially as related to Scripture. I have a doctorate in biblical theology [University of St. Thomas, Rome].
Experience I have taught Catholic thought in grade and high schools, and in college and universities.
Organizations Catholic Biblical Association
Publications Catholic Biblical Quarterly, The Bible Today
Education/Credentials Graduate degrees in theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University, in scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute, and a doctorate in theology from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas; all in Rome
Question I'm a 25 year old woman, married in the catholic church with two daughters. Last July I had a miscarriage. A couple months later I found out I was pregnant again. I've had a very difficult pregnancy, in which I've had to go to a specialist to help with this child. There is something wrong with my arteries that are pumping blood to my uterus and ultimately my child. I've had complications including pre term labor which the doctors have now controlled with medicines. I've also had trouble retaining water which has on a couple of occasions made me pass out and have to go to the hospital for IV'S. Though the doctors can not be sure I'm convinced that my previous miscarriage is due to my current problems. Some of the things the specialist is concerned about is pre term labor, high blood pressure, still birth, and possibly death. Due to this and many other concerns with this pregnancy, I've been considering getting a tubal ligation. Now since my husband and I are active in our Catholic faith, I'm concerned with wether I'm right or wrong to have such a procedure done. I believe it would be irresponsible of me to put another child through this, but I want to know what the Catholic church feels is the right course of action in my particular case. Please get back to me as soon as possible. I've managed to make it to 37 weeks with my child, but I'm sure that he will be here any day now.
Answer Christina, I am sorry to learn of your distressing medical issues.
I did remember you and your entire family in my prayers at Mass this Sunday morning.
You are currently concerned about a miscarriage or a premature birth; also think about arranging for an emergency Baptism. [When my premature son was born, I arranged for the Catholic chaplain to baptize him at the hospital.]
I am not a moral theologian.
I recommend two internet searches:
The National Catholic Bioethics Center -- www.ncbcenter.org
In the search box at the top right of the home page, enter "tubal ligation." The second article to appear [danger of a future preganancy] was issued in January 2009 by Fr. Tad. Please read the article.
The best natural family planning resouce is the system developed at Creighton University. The model also emphasizes a detailed analysis of a person's menstrual cycle. Please check their website:
creightonmodel.com
[Because of a feared danger of a future miscarriage, my wife and I used natural family planning to avoid successfully another (future) pregnancy.]
If you have a problem finding these internet references, please contact me again.
I trust that you and your husband will be praying to find a moral solution to your concerns.
Again, prayers and best wishes.
