Humanae Vitae: A Generation Later

Rather than end the debate over artificial means of contraception once and for all, the encyclical letter Humane Vitae only energized the debate when it appeared in 1968, and that debate continues to this day. Janet E. Smith presents a comprehensive review of this issue from a philosophical and theological perspective. Tracing the emergence of the debate from the mid-1960s and reviewing the documents from the Special Papl Commission established to advise Pope Paul VI, Smith also examines the Catholic Church's position on marriage, which provides context for its condemnation of contraception.

Janet E. Smith is assistant professor of philosophy at the University of Dallas. She has published articles in such journals as The Thomist, International Philosophical Quarterly, and The New Scholasticism

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Smith reviews the controversies preceding and following Pope Paul VI's 1968 encyclical forbidding artificial birth control, giving special attention to the views of today's Pope John Paul II. Agreeing with the Vatican's stance, he typically presents dissenting viewpoints briefly, then refutes them with lengthy reviews of the works of theologians/philosophers opposing contraception. Contemporary overpopulation concerns receive minimal attention, though other factors are thoroughly discussed. Smith includes a new annotated translation of the encyclical. His densely argued, unyielding approach probably will convert few birth control advocates. Buy where interest warrants.
- Richard S. Watts, San Bernardino Cty. Lib., Cal.
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