Nashville, Tenn., Jul 28, 2017 / 13:54 pm
Tennessee Judge Sam Benningfield has rescinded his controversial order offering reduced sentences to prisoners who would undergo sterilization procedures.
"We are glad to have learned that (the policy) has been canceled," said Rick Musacchio, director of communications for the diocese of Nashville. He also referred to the policy as "problematic."
"The Catholic position on birth control is well-known," he told CNA July 28.
Benningfield had issued the order on May 15 which offered 30 days credit from jail time to men who would undergo a vasectomy or women who would receive a Nexplanon arm implant, which prevents pregnancies for up to four years. Benningfield serves in Sparta, Tennessee, about an hour and a half east of Nashville.