Top 10 list of rules and counsel that we didn’t know, or like to pretend we didn’t know.
The Church Frowns Mightily on the “Snip”.
Listen – you can already hear the shouts “The Church has no business dictating our reproductive lives.” Yeah…whatever.
The General Handbook is not definitive, but it is direct: “The Church strongly discourages surgical sterilization as an elective form of birth control. Surgical sterilization should be considered only if (1) medical conditions seriously jeopardize life or health or (2) birth defects or serious trauma have rendered a person mentally incompetent and not responsible for his or her actions. Such conditions must be determined by competent medical judgment and in accordance with law. Even then, the persons responsible for this decision should consult with each other and with their bishop and should receive divine confirmation of their decision through prayer.”
Im so glad to have this post. I didnt know this was the churches stand on this. I always felt it was wrong. It seems like common sense says its wrong to me, thats why we’re here. Its one of the first commandments given to man. What an amazing gift and ability we have and to just say nope, no thanks, dont want it anymore seems like throwing that gift back in gods face. Thank you so much for linking the womeninthescriptures blog post. It is testimony-building, heart-touching, and life-changing. Excellent comments, a must read for lds families.
I had no idea.
I know I’m late to the party on this one, but after reading all the comments on the link, I just wanted to add something I didn’t see mentioned already. I recall a church leader who said that too many of us think we are the exception to the rule. He said if you think you are the exception to the rule, you better be as sure as Nephi was when he slew Laban.
That was good enough for me.
Wise words. Thanks!
I recently discovered that section of the handbook myself. While I knew the Church encourages having as many children as you can handle http://lds.org/ensign/1993/11/the-great-plan-of-happiness?lang=eng&query=%22how+many+children%22
I didn’t realize that vasectomies etc. were discouraged. The EC and I have 6 children with one on the way, and I feel like we’re doing what’s right for us (if a little begrudgingly on my part). I’m often disappointed in how proud other LDS people are to tell me they are done having kids and what procedure was used to ensure it. I’m in my mid 30’s, and I can definitely say that people in my generation aren’t having as many children as previous generations. Trust me, I know how hard it is to raise a lot of children. The world isn’t as accommodating to large families as it used to be. All I can say is that it’s worth it in the long run. The most important thing is to counsel with the Lord and do what He says. To multiply and replenish the earth is still a commandment, and the Lord will prepare a way for us to accomplish the thing He has commanded.
Wow. I had no idea. I mean it obviously makes sense. Hmmmm. Thinking about those I know who had this done that didn’t know about it.
We were just talking about this! The Hubs and I know some pretty good, strong members that have done this and wonder if they even knew it was discouraged. Just like Kayli said..I wonder why its discouraged, but I already do know why….but then, do I really?
We had this talk the other day with my sister! I don’t know why people flip out when the church says something like this. I mean I do know but I don’t really KNOW, you know?
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