Title: The common good. The Canadian bishops and the public debate on contraception.

POPLINE Document Number: 129001

Author(s):

Appleby B

Source citation:

CONSCIENCE, 1997 Autumn;18(3):15-9.

Abstract:

Until 1969, contraception was illegal in Canada. It was, however, permissible for those who could prove that the actions which led to their criminal charge served the public good. Since the Catholic church was known to oppose the use of contraceptive devices, Protestants, Catholics, legislators, and citizens in the early 1960s believed that the Roman Catholic church would oppose all efforts to remove contraception from Canada's Criminal Code. In 1966, however, the Canadian Catholic Conference (CCC) did not oppose an amendment to decriminalize contraception. The author lists members of the Canadian Catholic hierarchy who supported a change in doctrine on contraception. The debate within the Catholic church, the Canadian Catholic hierarchy, and among parishioners over contraception is described. The bill decriminalizing contraception finally received Royal Assent on June 27, 1969. Although Pope Paul VI had issued Humanae Vitae, his encyclical proscribing birth control, in 1968, the public debate in Canada was long over and Canadians were soon to enjoy the legal use of contraceptive methods.

Keywords:

Canada
Historical Review
Catholicism
Opposition to Family Planning
Legislation
Crime
Contraceptive Usage
North America, Northern
Americas
Developed Countries
Christianity
Religion
Attitude
Psychological Factors
Behavior
Social Problems
Contraception
Family Planning