The papal encyclical Humanae vitae was published on July, 25 1968, provoking a dramatic response. Forty years later, it has proven to be profoundly prophetic in authoritatively restating Catholic teaching that is absolutely required for the construction of a culture of life. Today, many Catholics know of the encyclical’s proscription against artificial contraception. Very few are properly acquainted with Paul VI’s actual teaching, either in it's necessity for any consistent defense of life or it's positive celebration of married sexuality as elaborated in John Paul II's Theology of the Body.
This conference celebrates the 40th anniversary of this encyclical, and will address topics including an explanation and defence of the encyclical, primacy of conscience, the Theology of the Body, "reproductive" technologies and women's health, chastity, and coercive population control.