CATHOLIC bioethics concerning the beginning of life constantly refers back to the doctrine of the inseparability of the unitive and procreative dimensions of human sexuality.  Teaching on these two aspects has developed most clearly during the twentieth century, culminating in the Theology of the Body of Blessed Pope John Paul II.  In these texts one can trace the development of doctrine in a direction that focuses less on the hierarchical ordering of the ends of marriage than on their interrelationship.  Similarly, the relationship between the respective vocations of marriage and consecrated celibacy is expressed less in descriptions of "higher" and "lower" states than in the temporal and eschatological values to which each bears unique witness.

7. MARRIAGE, HUMANÆ VITÆ and THEOLOGY of the BODY

7.1. Early Definitions of Fecundity/Unity and Marriage
7.1.1. Arcanum
7.1.2. Casti Conubii
7.1.3. the Baltimore Catechism

7.2. Vatican II, Gaudium et Spes 46-52.

7.3. Humanae Vitae

7.4. Pope John Paul II and The Theology of the Body.
7.4.1. Divinization
7.4.2. Reflections on Humanae Vitae and Communion of Persons

7.5. Catechism of the Catholic Church

1. Humanae Vitae

2. May, ch. 3, pp. 67-72.

3. Catechism on Marriage (sel.)

5. Gaudium et Spes, 47-62

6. Pope John Paul II, The Theology of the Body, selections

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