Experts see no moral objections to use of Viagra by husbands

That's the consensus among Catholic experts regarding Viagra, the drug that may answer the prayers of clinically impotent men.

Taking the pill is perfectly acceptable within the context of a married relationship, the experts said; there is nothing immoral about taking the prescription drug for its intended use.

Right and obligation

Rev. Peter Sullivan, assistant judicial vicar for the Diocesan Tribunal, doesn't have a problem with married men taking Viagra, as long as they don't abuse it.

"Bringing a person back to normalcy is always acceptable," he said. "After that, I think you get back into the questionable and recreational use of it."

Problem solved?

"This is not a miracle-maker. It will correct the physical problem, but there can be psychological and emotional causes," she said. "It's going to take more than a pill to make things the way they used to be."

Viagra could also create new problems when a man regains his sexual drive while his wife no longer wants to have intercourse due to menopause or age, Ms. Moriarty pointed out. "Then it's time to get into counseling because her needs are different from her husband's."

If both married partners are willing to renew their sexual relationship, however, there's no moral obstacles to experimenting with Viagra. "Our sexual life is God-given, and I don't think God says you have to stop at 55, 65 or 75," she said.

Defining sexuality

* "the permissibility and desirability of curing pathological situations either by surgical or pharmaceutical means; and

* the necessity of redefining sexual love in such a way that we give the human and Christian definition."

The first principle means that Viagra for a man with impotence should be viewed in the same way as insulin for someone with diabetes, Prof. Dwyer said. The second principle refers to the importance of discussing sexuality in more than just physical terms when considering the use of Viagra.

"Don't equate [sexuality] with sexual intercourse, but understand it is the total commitment of this man and this woman to each other on all levels of their existence: physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual. Sexual love is a multi-dimensional reality," he said.

Enriching

"I think it's great," said the priest, who has counseled married couples. "It can possibly enrich some marriages, save some marriages, put the marriage back on track. I think it's an undisguised blessing."

Although he certainly doesn't condone the use of Viagra outside of marriage, he strongly urges couples to be open and honest with each other as they prepare for married life and to use Viagra if prescribed by a physician.

"I wouldn't hesitate because impotence would render a marriage invalid anyway. God gave us sex to be used. If it can be aided and abetted by legitimate, valid medical means, go for it," he said. "For those it brings happiness back to, I think it's a blessing. It resurrects their marital life, and it brings more happiness and contentment. That can solve a lot of problems."

(07-02-98) [[In-content Ad]]