Book
Humanae Vitae
Pope Paul VI's encyclical reaffirms Church teaching about the married couple's call to be open to life and to exercise responsible parenthood. Honoring both the spiritual and physical elements of conjugal love, this letter recognizes that artificial birth control falls short of the fullness of the marital union as total, faithful, exclusive, and fruitful.
The encyclical thoughtfully considers the human person as a whole—body and spirit—and prophetically presents the practical social implications if the document’s conclusions are ignored. Humanae Vitae encourages Christian spouses in a beautiful, holy expression of human sexuality that profoundly respects the whole person and is open to God's gift of new life and faithful to love.