Self-sterilization

Catholics may not use vasectomy, tubal ligation, or other forms of surgery to deprive their bodies of the natural, God-given power of procreation.

Catechism

2399 The regulation of births represents one of the aspects of responsible fatherhood and motherhood. Legitimate intentions on the part of the spouses do not justify recourse to morally unacceptable means (for example, direct sterilization or contraception).

Links

• Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P., Catholic Answers Forum, "Must a Vasectomy Be Reversed?"

"The Church does not reqire him to have the vasectomy reversed. Such an operation is not always successful and can be a real nightmare, resulting in urinary and bowel difficulties. People are not always aware of this when they decide to have a vasectomy."

• EWTN Library, "Tubal Ligation."
• Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center, "Tubal Reversal: Relief from Guilt."