Is Endometrial Ablation Morally Acceptable?
Question
My sister was told that she should have a procedure called endometrial ablation with Nova Sure. This prevents the uterine lining from bleeding and if there was a fertilized ovum, it couldn’t attach. Therefore I believe this procedure is against Catholic teaching…is this correct? My sister is considering this procedure and asked me to find out for her.
Cathy
Answer
Last Updated: February 6, 2022
Dear Cathy,
Depending on the circumstances of the individual patient, this procedure, endometrial ablation, does pose an ethical dilemma. On one hand, it can treat and sometimes stop heavy and abnormal uterine bleeding. For some women that can be an answer to prayers.
On the other hand, a woman who is still in her fertile years may lose her fertility due to the procedure. Certainly, if a woman might be pregnant at the time, the procedure should not be done.
A woman who is past her fertile years could have this treatment, assuming it was the best option from a medical standpoint, with little or no ethical concerns. A woman in her fertile years, however, probably should only have this procedure if all other fertility-sparing, ethical treatments have been carefully considered and/or tried.
In the case of life-threatening or other very serious bleeding, a fertile woman could use this procedure as a last resort even if though it would compromise her fertility. The principle of double effect would apply in this case.
In your sister’s case, the details will dictate which option is best for her: Have other treatments been tried or considered? What is her age and fertility status?
George Delgado, MD
Depending on the circumstances of the individual patient, this procedure, endometrial ablation, does pose an ethical dilemma. On one hand, it can treat and sometimes stop heavy and abnormal uterine bleeding. For some women that can be an answer to prayers.
On the other hand, a woman who is still in her fertile years may lose her fertility due to the procedure. Certainly, if a woman might be pregnant at the time, the procedure should not be done.
A woman who is past her fertile years could have this treatment, assuming it was the best option from a medical standpoint, with little or no ethical concerns. A woman in her fertile years, however, probably should only have this procedure if all other fertility-sparing, ethical treatments have been carefully considered and/or tried.
In the case of life-threatening or other very serious bleeding, a fertile woman could use this procedure as a last resort even if though it would compromise her fertility. The principle of double effect would apply in this case.
In your sister’s case, the details will dictate which option is best for her: Have other treatments been tried or considered? What is her age and fertility status?
George Delgado, MD
Answered By:
George Delgado, M.D., F.A.A.F.P.
George Delgado, MD, President and Founder of Steno Institute and Medical Director of Culture of Life Family Services (COLFS), San Diego, is a Professional Member / Supporter of CANFP. Board certified in both family medicine and hospice and palliative medicine, Dr. Delgado received his medical degree from the University of California, Davis, and completed his residency at Santa Monica Hospital/UCLA. Dr. Delgado is a Natural Family Planning Medical Consultant, trained in NaProTechnology. He and wife have four children and seven grandchildren.
