The Papal Commission on Birth Control—revisited

Abstract

The Papal Commission on Population, the Family, and Birth-rate met in Rome from 1963 to 1966. After these years of deliberation a Majority Report, written by Rev. Henri de Riedmatten, O.P., Chairman of the commission, counseled that the received Catholic and magisterial teaching of Casti connubii on the immorality of contraception be changed. Dr. Germain Grisez and Fr. John C. Ford opposed this decision and issued a Minority Report which basically was ignored by the secular press. In 1968, Pope Paul VI issued his most famous encyclical Humanae vitae, reaffirming the traditional magisterial teaching. In 2011, 44 years later, Dr. Grisez released several documents relating to these events. Following an Introduction, the author divides the work into four sections. First, the paper addresses the four part “materials prepared for Cardinal Ottaviani.” Next he develops the contribution of Karol Cardinal Wojytla et al. Concerning the principles of conjugal life in 1966. Finally he provides a conclusion as to how the above topics promote natural family planning (NFP) and the constant teaching of the Catholic Church; then an addendum.

Keywords:

• birth control comission
• majority report
• minority report
• natural family planning

Acknowledgements

The author wishes to acknowledge and thank the kind assistance of Rev. William B. Hund, C.S.C. PhD., of the University of Portland and Rev. Matthew Habiger of NFP Outreach who brought Reference #2 to author's attention.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Charles W. Norris

Charles W. Norris, M.D. His email address is: [email protected]