Appendix: Griese’s List of Motives for Using Periodic Continence

This list is published as found in Dr. N. Orville Griese’s book, The Rhythm of Marriage and Christian Morals (1944), p. 76-79.

[Note: Dr. Griese frames these causes as potentially excusing motives to abstain from relations, not as motives to have relations during infertile times. His book lacks a robust discussion of the latter piece of the puzzle.]

Ordinarily Sufficient for the Permanent Practice of Periodic Continence

1. Because conception will very probably result in death or a permanent state of bad health for the mother.

2. Because it is almost certain that the mother cannot bring forth living children.

3. Because the mother can bring forth only abortive children (i.e. miscarriages).

4. Because it is practically certain that the children will be born with serious and incurable hereditary defects, especially insanity.

5. Because it is morally impossible for the husband to support another child.

6. Because the mother has proven to be utterly incapable of fulfilling the usual maternal duties relative to the care and training of children either physically or morally.

7. Because one of the spouses is absolutely opposed to having children or another child. If there is no just cause for such an attitude, the other party (not the opposing one) would be justified in using the “rhythm” method. If the opposing party cannot be persuaded to change that attitude, the practice may be permitted to that party as the lesser of two evils.

8. Because it is the only way of stopping or preventing the use of onanistic methods in marital relations. The remarks made in reference to the above motive (no. 7) are applicable in this case as well.

9. Because it is morally certain that one of the parties will otherwise fall into sins of incontinence (cf. remarks concerning motive no. 7).

Ordinarily Sufficient only for the Temporary Practice of Periodic Continence

1. Because of a temporary physical weakness or period of convalescence on the part of the mother, e.g. gaining strength after childbirth or after an illness.

2. Because of the extraordinary inconveniences and expenses associated with childbirth in an individual case, e.g. Caesarean deliveries.

3. Because of the exceptional fecundity of the mother, it is necessary to “space” births. (Footnote: This would be true especially of a woman who is not strong physically, so that a large family would be a serious strain on her health. Ordinarily, however, many births rather fortify than weaken the health of both mother and children. C f. Leclercq, op. cit., 220, 299)

4. Because of difficult financial conditions at the present time, unemployment, misfortunes, etc.

5. Because the young wife is not yet physically fit to assume the cares of motherhood.

6. Because of a temporary nervous strain on the part of the wife; simply cannot bear the thought of another child.

7. Because the birth of another child will actually render the mother incapable of properly rearing the children already born, at least for the time being.

8. Because the wife has to work and help support the family – husband’s salary is insufficient, or employment irregular, etc.

Doubtfully Sufficient Motives

1. Because the man and wife wish to train just one or two children for special careers or social standings in life.

2. Because the wife wishes to work for a while after marriage in order to help pay for the furniture, help the husband pay his debts, etc.

3. Because the wife wishes to have only one or two children and keep her career; nurse, teacher, beauty specialist, singer, etc.

Insufficient Motives

1. Because the wife has an unfounded fear of the ordinary pains and inconveniences of pregnancy and childbirth – “too delicate.”

2. Because the man and wife wish to “enjoy life while they are young – they will settle down later on; or any other motive which indicates an excessive love of ease and comfort, or which indicates a spirit of avarice, vanity, etc.; e. g. they shrink from the sacrifices normally associated with the rearing and education of children, or they simply have no desire for children, or they desire only one or two children so that their wealth will stay in the family, or because it is the “style” to have a child or two.

3. Because of any malicious motive such as hatred of children, contempt for the divine plan or for the authority of the Church, etc.