Case 5. Maternity Impossible

Patrick once and again asked Bridget whether she was willing to marry him. Although inwardly by no means unwilling, Bridget never indeed gave a direct answer, but conducted herself in such a way that she was commonly regarded as betrothed. It happened, however, that Bridget, being gravely ill, was compelled to seek a hospital, where, at the urging of the physicians, she underwent some surgical operation or other, from which she soon recovered. As she leaves the hospital, Patrick meets her and relates that his business has succeeded prosperously and that there is now no need for the wedding to be deferred any longer, provided Bridget is willing to assign a day. At the same time a letter written by the hospital’s directress at the physicians’ command is handed to Bridget, in which the following is contained: “You must keep in mind, dearest, that after that operation it is impossible for you ever to become a mother.” Bridget prudently excuses herself from giving Patrick an immediate answer and consults a confessor about the whole matter. It is asked:

1. What are betrothals, and must it be believed that true betrothals existed between Patrick and Bridget?

2. Supposing that Bridget underwent a complete ovariotomy, has she thereby become incapable of marriage?

3. Is Bridget at least bound to inform Patrick about what was read in the letter?

4. What is to be said of the case?

1. What is betrothal, and were Patrick and Bridget betrothed?

Betrothal is a mutual and lawful promise of future marriage between persons who may marry lawfully. As there was no written agreement between Patrick and Bridget there could be no question about their betrothal if all that passed happened after April 19, 1908. Before that date it would have been doubtful whether there was a true engagement between them.¹

1 Manual of Moral Theology, vol. ii, 251.

2. Was Bridget made incapable of marrying on the supposition that she had undergone complete ovariotomy?

The question is disputed among experts and at present no certain answer can be given to it. When a case arises, it should be referred to the bishop, who will consult the Holy See if he can not decide it himself.

3. Is Bridget at any rate bound to tell Patrick about her condition?

She certainly must not attempt to marry him without letting him know what the doctors have told her. -The possibility of having children is the primary end of marriage, and if it has been made impossible by a surgical operation, the future husband has a right to know the fact, even on the supposition that valid marriage is still possible.²

2 Ibid., ii, 294.

4. The case. Whether the events narrated in the case took place before or after Easter, 1908, the confessor should tell his penitent that she should not marry before hearing from the bishop, to whom the case should be sent.

The precise nature and effect of the operation should be learned if possible from the surgeons who performed it, and the details should be sent to the bishop, who in case of doubt will send them to the Holy See, so that a practical decision in the case may be arrived at.