At a 1983 Mass for families in Panama, Pope John Paul II placed sterilization among those acts that impede procreation and are to be avoided by Christians (see Prolife Profile). This can be especially difficult in a day and age in which procedures like sterilization are accepted, even expected. It will require courage, said the Holy Father.

Always remember that the authentic Christian, even at the risk of becoming a “sign that is opposed,” must be able to carry out well the practices chosen in conformity with his faith. For this reason, he will have to say no to unions which are not sanctified by marriage and to divorce; he will say no to sterilization, above all if it is imposed upon any person or ethnic group for deceptive reasons; he will say no to contraception and he will say no to the crime of abortion, which kills innocent beings.

The Christian believes in life and in love. For this reason he will say yes to the indissoluble love of marriage; yes to life responsibly created by legitimate marriage; yes to the protection of life; yes to the stability of the family; yes to the legitimate living together which promotes communion and favors the balanced education of children, protected by a paternal and maternal love which complete each other — and which are fulfilled in the formation of new persons.