Case 4. A Syphilitic Patient

Titius had entered into an engagement with Caia; when Julius, the physician of both families and a most intimate friend of the father of Caia, heard this, he was tormented by doubts of conscience. For under the secrecy of consultation he knew that Titius suffered from a syphilitic disease which would most certainly infect his future wife; hence he was uncertain whether he could or ought to disclose the condition of Titius to the father of Caia or not. Therefore, being a good Catholic, he approached a confessor to seek counsel. Hence it is asked:

1. What is a secret, and under what obligation is it to be concealed?

2. Is it lawful to reveal a secret, and when is it lawful or even obligatory?

3. What is to be said of the case?

1. This first question is answered on p. 337.

2. This question is answered on p. 338.

3. The case. While Titius is suffering from his disease, he can indeed marry, but he should not use marriage rights until he is cured, or at least without the consent of his wife after telling her about his state. In these circumstances Julius has no right to tell Caia's father about the disease from which Titius is suffering. As he is the family doctor he may and should tell Titius either to defer marriage, or at least not to use his marital rights, for a time until he is cured.