The answer
You are correct. In the Old Testament, women were ashamed of not having children because being barren had the connotation of reproach from God since the Messiah was still anticipated. Even St. Elizabeth, the mother of St. John the Baptist initially felt that way. However, not having any children at all by choice is not a right decision, especially if a married couple is able to conceive but do not. The Church does allow some means of contraception, but forbids any form of abortion at any time in the life of the fetus or the embryo.Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)