The Vatican has okayed contraceptive pills at least once

[cthulu2016]

This was a few decades ago (1970s-early80s?) and I do not know whether the current church would have made this call, but I remember a dispensation being given to nuns in a third world mission in a nation in a state of civil war and anarchy to take oral contraceptives as prophilaxis against pregnancy arising from rape. (It was feared that the mission would be over-run by rebel forces at some point.)

It's an interesting concession. Birth control is okay... as long as you are celibate. I imagine the church would might also allow the use of oral contraceptives to treat medical conditions, provided the user was celibate or unable to conceive.

(I am at a loss, however, to see how being raped by invading rebels is not part of God's plan. The interference with God's choice that a woman become pregnant pertains either way.)

Anyway, if I were moderating the next Republican debate you can bet some folks would have to deal with this question.

[elleng]

1. But but but

Santorum would call such 'gifts!'

[valerief]

2. Bingo. And fertility clinics interfere with God's plan. And dentists do, too. And... nt

[Tomay]

3. Apparently Santorum is more Catholic than the Pope

I'm not sure how Ricky justifies his reasoning.

[cthulu2016]

4. Heck, the Catholic church accepts evolution and

spoke against the Iraq war.

The Catholic church couldn't get to first base in a republican primary.