The debate on contraceptives is filled with moral and theological sand pits. There are so many strongly held beliefs for, and against, for reasons unclear to most. None of the answers are simple to these hot button topics; for the most part they are complex and hover in a grey area of morality, tradition, and history. Sex and love are obviously two things that interests humans, and animals to an extent. People write songs, books, and poetry about both topics. Humans have also studied both since the beginning of time. They are incorporated into art as both an emotion and an image. Humans are encapsulated in finding a partner for many reasons, due to society's standards or their cultural upbringing; there is no getting around sex and love. Each religion has its own way of dealing with sex and love. Catholicism by far does not ignore it. .
There are two sides to the argument of is the Catholic Church right on its rulings on contraceptives. The first is that the Catholic Church, and all other religions, have the intrinsic right to differ in opinion on issues that do not simply suit the majority. Doctrines are not up for public vote and should not be treated as such. Religions are no longer deciding laws, in most areas, obviously excluding many countries still today that are based off of religions, that one can get arrested for, so it is not a big deal and does not affect those who disagree with a religions ruling, it is the religions' right to their doctrine. Also, if a person has a problem with that then they can change their religion, or, just move on to one that suits their own personal needs.
Can one call themselves a Catholic and still disagree with the Catholic Church's stance on contraceptives, no. The most basic catholic teaching is that, "'it is intrinsically wrong to use contraception to prevent new human beings from coming into existence,'" (Locke). Contraceptives go along with all the church's stance on life in general and how precious it is.
