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Questions & Answers

Sterilization

Faith Q&A › Metropolitan Youssef › Marriage and Family › Sterilization

The question

What is the Church's view on permanent sterilizations such as vasectomy for men and tubal occlusion / tube tying for women? Is it a sin if it is intended to enjoy the act of sexual union within a Christian marriage without the risk of conception?

The answer

There are many points to be considered here. If the couple does not have children, and do not want children, and there are no health reasons preventing them from having children, the Church would consider permanent sterilization inappropriate. Even if they have children, these procedures also are not advised contraceptive methods, as the couple may regret their decision and desire to have children at a later time in the future. Sexuality is meant to be enjoyed in the marital context. There is no reason for a married couple to feel guilty about pleasurable intimate relations between them.

Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)

Related questions

Questions answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab) of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Question 2525 on the Diocese’s Q&A site. Questions and answers © Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. All rights reserved.