Answer: Correct answer: Humanae Vitae
In 1968, Pope Paul VI issued the encyclical Humanae Vitae (“Of Human Life”), reaffirming the Catholic Church’s longstanding opposition to artificial contraception. The document emphasized that marital love must remain open to the transmission of life and that any attempt to separate the unitive and procreative aspects of sexual union contradicts natural law. While acknowledging the pressures of modern life and the advances in reproductive science, Paul VI warned of the moral and societal consequences of widespread contraceptive use—including diminished respect for women and the erosion of marital fidelity. The encyclical sparked intense debate, but it remains a defining moment in Catholic moral teaching and a testament to Paul VI’s commitment to doctrinal continuity amid cultural change. |
