Are You Against Birth Control?

The decree that sex should only be for procreation came about in a time when life expectancy was much lower than it is today and many children didn't live to see their first birthday. It's simply outdated advice. I believe we have a duty to not destroy the Earth by overpopulating it.

Not at all. I think that it is a personal choice as to whether to use it or not. Since Catholic hospitals do not employ only Catholics, I think it is unreasonable to try to prevent non-Catholic employees from having birth control with their health plans. The answer is really quite simple...if you do not believe in birth control, then simply don't take it. I believe that birth control should be readily available and low cost for those that want it...period.

Since I am the first to respond (at least, while I type, no one has responded yet) I will go ahead and clarify something. "Birth control" is a wide umbrella that is different from "contraceptive". Contraceptive means interrupting/not allowing/preventing conception. "Birth control" can mean contraception AND/OR abortion, or use of abortifacients.
They are not the same things.

Having said that, no I am not against contraceptives. I do not believe in "birth control" per se.

As far as having to pay for someone else's "birth control", I hope to NEVER pay for abortifacients or abortion for anyone. As far as paying for someone else's contraceptives, I think that if an individual needs ME to pay for/supply them for them, the odds may very well be that the individual isn't very likely to use them effectively either. Maybe that is not a popular way to think of it, but that is what I think. And you asked.

Nope, not against birth control. Honestly, look at it this way. People get pregnant on birth control all the time, right? I think God is mightier than a little pill. So if God really wanted me to be pregnant, I would be.

ETA: I actually know someone who got pregnant while taking the Pill, so after that baby she had her tubes tied....and STILL got pregnant! Now that shows that if God means for you to have a baby, you're gonna. :)
Also we've used the pull out method (what we've affectionately called "the pull and pray") for three years, and it's been effective. I am really allergic to condoms and most spermicides plus I can't take the pill because I have a thyroid issue. So I'm saying, if it was meant to be, it would be.

Birth control as far as I am concerned is health policy. If insurance is offered it should be included. Doesn't mean the person has to use it, but I believe it should be available.

Once again I feel focus is placed on the WRONG issue. There are many bigger issues this country needs to focus on and why this has to be so politicized just boggles my mind.

On the economic side...birth control makes all kinds of sense. The cost to provide birth control for a year is nothing compared to that of paying for all the downstream costs of child birth, child health care....and if it is a complicated pregnancy the cost is can be off the charts compared to BC

I am 100% PRO birth control. I'm also a former Catholic. I'm a Christian, but I've recently come to the conclusion that organized religion is not for me and in my opinion, can be just as corrupt as government can be. I don't need "religion" to practice my individual faith. Frankly, I really do see much of this as an attack on women in general.

Added: Oh, and let me just say how unbelievably offended I am that there are never any arguments about covering VIAGRA. Again, women getting the short end of the stick.

And just as an aside, there are a few Catholic hospitals in this nation who provide contraception in their medical coverage for employees. When asked why, they responded that it's because they are in direct competition with other hospitals for the best employees out there. Hospitals that DO include the option of contraception in medical coverage. So, I'm just curious how the Catholic Church can allow this and yet take a national stand against it. It's a little baffling.

Unless someone is going to be pushing out a 7-8 lb baby our of their vagina for me, then deprive themselves from sleep for the next....however long baby decided to take to sleep through the night ,meanwhile juggle my fulltime work and caring for my other 4 needy children i have and be that child's mom, nurse,cook,server, taxi, coach, teacher SLAVE for the next 18yrs, then no one has the right to tell me what to do and not do with my body. :) and since i don't plan on doing that for anyone else, i dont have a say either.

I find life is best lived by staying out of people's bedrooms.

I think people should have access to any & all medicines and devices that are helpful to them. If that means something that prevents conception of a baby or another baby...fine.

I also don't think that anyone elses religious beliefs or lack thereof need to impact MY decisions regarding MY body and MY desire to use available medicines or devices for what I need when I need it.

Separation of church and state needs to be expanded to include separation of church and health care.

People are free to make their own choices based on their individual beliefs--someone's particular "beliefs" don't need to be dictated to all of us!

Am I against birth control? Heck no. I see it as being good stewards of the earth God gave us. Overpopulation is not a good thing IMO or a good way to care for God's earth. As well, I see it as a way of decreasing the number of children who won't be well cared for. That's also something I think God would be concerned about.

I am not against birth control. I am a convert to Catholicism and have been Catholic for almost 5 years. Before I was initiated into the Church, I had to meet with my RCIA team leaders to be interviewed about my readiness to join the Church. Birth control was one of my concerns. The main team leader (a former nun) told me that this was between me, my husband and God. If we didn't feel we could love or take care of anymore, then she didn't see a problem with using birth control.

It is quite possible that there are Non-Catholic employees of the Catholic Church, why should they be denied a basic healthcare right because they work for and institiution that thinks it's wrong? There are also many praticing Catholics who break their own religion's rules and use birth control themselves. For those reasons alone no employer should get to decide what services are offered through their healthcare plans. It's a personal medical decision between a woman, her partner and her doctor, period.
What if Walmart decided they were against a particular medical practice? Should they then be able to deny it to their employees under their healthcare plan?
I'm sick of religion sticking their nose into everyone else's personal business. Provide healthcare coverage for your employees and stay out of their personal medical choices.
No one is forcing the pope to take the pill!

And birth control pills are used for other medical conditions. I had a friend who took them because her hormones were out of whack.

The pill can also help regulate periods. This is particularly helpful to those of us getting older (perimenopausal) who suddenly have extremely heavy flow (a common thing). I went back on the pill and that issue went away.

Finally, I agree with LeeLee S. Health insurance covers Viagra, so it should sure as heck cover birth control. ("Again, women getting the short end of the stick..." tee hee)

Dear BB,

I am an educated Catholic. While the official Church teaching is "against birth control", if you read further you find that the reasoning behind the church's teaching is actually against allowing conception to take place and then forcing abortion as in the morning after pill, IUDs, some types of hormonal birth control, and abortion.

In my Pre-Cana class we were taught natural family planning. It is a form of the rhythm method using basal body temperature charting. We have been using it for over 8 years and only have two children who were planned and conceived through the same method.

The church is against IVF. IVF has created the option for sex selection, selective reduction, and other morally wrong outcomes. I've quoted the reasoning here from: http://catholicinsight.com/online/church/vatican/article_...

Pope Paul VI has taught that there is an "inseparable connection, willed by God, and unable to be broken by man on his own initiative, between the two meanings of the conjugal act: the unitive meaning and the procreative meaning."

IVF violates the rights of the child: it deprives him of his filial relationship with his parental origins and can hinder the maturing of his personality. It objectively deprives conjugal fruitfulness of its unity and integrity, it brings about and manifests a rupture between genetic parenthood, gestational parenthood, and responsibility for upbringing. This threat to the unity and stability of the family is a source of dissension, disorder, and injustice in the whole of social life.

I'm not sure what you mean by Neonatal Nicus? Do you mean the ICU unit for babies? The Catholic Church is not against Neonatal ICUs.

I do not wish to pay for other people's birth control and I certrainly do not want to pay for abortions. This is forcing me to commit an act which I believe is offensive to God. I would be happy to pay for proper adoptive services.

In my personal opinion, easy access to birth control has lead to an increase in very irresponsible and immoral behavior in our society.

C.

I'm for birth control. I have used birth control but had to stop because of migrains.

This isn't about rights. This is about a government that is overstepping and telling a religious entity what they must do which is against their religious Doctrine. Getting religion out of politics? Lets get goverment out of my religion! Separation of Church and health care? Really? That is just silly.

If you are woman and you want birth control and can't afford it go to Planned Parenthood. BUT it is NOT my responsibility to pay for YOUR birth control. Look, I have a hard enough time paying for the things that my family needs, I can't take on anyone elses. Here's another idea, maybe some women should just keep their legs together and some men keep it in their pants. NOW that is birth control!

I am pro-birth control!!! EVERYONE has a right to decide if they want to have a baby or not. Birth control when used correctly, is very effective and reliable. The pull-out method etc. is not reliable at all. I think that part of being a responsible adult is making the decision to take preventative measures against pregnancy, std's etc. until they are ready. It shouldn't be up to the church or anyone else. I would much rather pay for someone's birth control than to have to pay for abortions etc. Its all about prevention and education!

Hi BB-

I am a non practicing catholic. When I was 'practicing'...I had 7 children...(5 singletons...one twin pregnancy...two mis carries).

I am of the opinion that 'safe sex' is an imperative in this day and age. I am also of the opinion that there are a GREAT many 'medical' interventions that *I* would not choose *for myself*.

I feel *I* have NO RIGHT to dictate to others what is (or is not) acceptable. It is, IMO, between them...and their god.

I suspect that 'this' question is a result of various iterations of healthcare legislation...and access to heath care in our country. With respect to 'health care'...I believe that 'we all' should have access to ALL basic health care that is available...

And, IF, your personal religious views...will not 'allow' a particular drug/procedure/intervention...then 'you' can still say 'no thank you.'

We live in times where there are many 'slippery' slopes. I remain hopeful that 'minimum' standard of care will become available to all...And folks can sort it out with 'their' respective 'higher power'...

Best Luck!
michele/cat

I will only say that I consider contraceptive-use to be a key element in fighting abortions, and that statistically, women who have access to affordable contraceptives are less likely to have abortions. I do not consider a fertilized egg to be a baby (that is my own, personal belief) until it is implanted and becomes an embryo. Furthermore, the last thing a poor mother needs to help her get back on her feet is another child to care for.

On a personal level, this is an issue that I have with my Church, and it is one reason I am no longer practicing Catholicism. The Rhythm Method is not forbidden by the Church, because there is always a chance you can get pregnant, but basically, the idea of sex for fun instead of procreation is a violation of Church teachings. I personally think if God could impregnate a virgin, He can get through a condom or past the Pill. And has, at least for me, and my beautiful daughter was born 9 months later. ^_^

I am for birth control. I am for the right to choose as well.

No, I don't think I should HAVE to pay for someone else's way or their insurance for that matter. If I WANT to - that's MY CHOICE. I shouldn't feel like I am a slave to someone else's health care, etc. And by slave I mean in the rudimentary sense of the word - NOT BEING ABLE TO HAVE A CHOICE - when I lose my right to choose - I am therefore a slave - when I am being told I MUST do it - I am a slave.

It doesn't matter to me what form of birth control people use. Well, wait - yes I do. I'm pro-choice - but I don't think having an abortion every 3 to 6 months is birth control.

I'm not Catholic so I can't state what the church is against. Even if I was Catholic - they aren't paying my way in my life so they don't have that say.

I'm Catholic and not against birth control at all. That said, I believe that every woman, every couple has the right to choose the method of birth control that's right for them. I've had careful discussions with priests I trusted about our choices in birth control over the years. When I was 19 years old, I went on the pill because I had insanely horrible PMDD. It helped me immensely. I didn't go on the pill because I started having sex, but for true health reasons. Once I met my now-husband, the birth control aspect of it was just a happy side effect.

I did get pregnant twice on the pill, so after we were done having babies we knew that the pill wouldn't be reliable but my health was still a concern so we chose the Mirena IUD. Other forms of birth control either didn't offer enough protection or were going to cause allergic reactions (due to metallic content). The Mirena had an excellent track record, is plastic, extremely low-dose hormone, and had a high likelihood to reduce PMDD. It's been perfect for us not only birth control-wise, but for my serious health issues and helping reduce the symptoms.

Thanks to my frank discussions with my pastor/s over the years, I know that the Church doesn't begrudge me its politics-turned-doctrine over my health problems. Other people's choices aren't my concern, almthough I (silently) cheer anyone on for aking responsible social and personal choices.

I'm not againist birth control. I am however againist abortions and the morning after pill used as a birth control. I don't like having anyone and that includes the government dictate to me what I can and can not do with my body and my life. As long as I am doing everything legal, the government and everything/body else needs to stay out of my business.

I do agree that it can be a slippery slop especially when they start giving you the option to choose what sex your baby is going to be and before you know it you'll have a choice as to the hair color, eye color, etc. That to me is playing God. It's a very fine line we have to walk.

I don't have a problem helping pay for someone's birth control because that would be a heck of a lot cheaper to pay for than for the pregnancy, birth, the child, etc.

As a practicing Catholic, I think your question hits the nail on the head. The argument that Natural Family Planning (I guess that would include "pulling out?" I've listened to many talks on NFP, and I'm not sure anyone really mentions this method) is ok but all forms of Artificial Birth Control are not is a little difficult to make. The best argument I've heard is that NFP is a passive choice. In other words, choosing to not have sex on a certain day because the likelihood of conceiving is less, is just saying, "Not today." Using an artificial form of contraception is an active decision to prevent life. It is a slippery slope, because at some point your conscience comes in to play, and you are basically saying, "I want to have sex, but I don't want to have a baby." I think that's part of the reason you'll find so many Catholics who disagree with the Church's stance. They just don't buy the argument.

I also think whether or not employers should have to pay is a more difficult issue. I do understand where the Church (and other religious organizations) is coming from. This goes against a Church teaching, so it makes sense that they would be furious and say that it infringes on their Religious Freedom.

The argument of those in favor of employers and/or insurance companies providing free birth control (and abortions) is that the patient should not be prevented from receiving services. If you take the actual health procedure or medication being provided out of the equation, they argument is that people should have complete access to health care and that their employer should not be able to dictate their health to them.

So, is government forcing itself onto the religious organization, or is the religious organization forcing people to abide by their teachings?

I call myself a liberal, Catholic, democrat. I've sat in the pew and listened to my parish priest talk about how evil Obama's plan is. I still don't know where I stand. It's not an easy issue for many of us.

I'm not but the Church is and I respect that, UNLIKE our President.

Separation of Church & State is being trampled on by Obama:

The original text reads: "... I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should 'make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,' thus building a wall of separation between Church & State." Jefferson reflected his frequent speaking theme that the government is not to interfere with religion.

Why does it even matter why the Catholic religion finds it wrong? That is what I am finding hard to understand about these arguments.

I am Catholic and I use birth control, that is my decision between God and I. My faith has made their position clear and I have made mine. That is my choice.

What the government is doing is forcing their choice on my religion. They have no right to do that. More so they have no reason to do it. Free contraception is already available, planned parenthood anyone? The government could choose to reimburse drug stores for birth control they are giving out free. With other options available they chose to force a religion to violate their beliefs. If you want to ask a why, try that one.

I'm not against birth control. I think it should be available and affordable to all who need or want it. I cannot answer 'what is affordable'. $45/month is a lot to someone who is living pay check to pay check, to others it is but a drop in the bucket.

Birth control is a wash for insurance companies. Their data shows that it costs them nothing because they prevent enough unwanted pregnancies that are way more expensive to cover. It hurts no one for them to pass that free bee on to consumers.

I have no idea why people think birth control is wrong. Actually, I do not believe I know any people who believe that birth control is wrong. And it's not just most people - it's 98% of people - it's virtually everyone who has not taken a vow of chastity/celibacy.

I think using more than our share of the earth's resources is wrong. I think having a child you cannot love and support is wrong. I think having so many children you do not have enough time for one on one time with them is wrong.

I think the argument the Catholic Church makes is that it does not, AS AN EMPLOYER or hospital/health center, want to provide or support drugs or services that run counter to it's stated moral beliefs. It is being open and honest, not deceptive or manipulative. So, if that's the case, if those services or benefits are important to me, why would I CHOOSE to go to work or get my care from such an organization? The thing is, if I want my employer to provide this kind of coverage or my health center to provide this service, I have options and choices available? People, just don't go to work for the Church!

My daughter just had surgery at a Catholic hospital -- a terrific facility with good doctors and caring staff. It was a really positive experience for an orthopedic procedure. If she needed an abortion, it's not a place she'd expect to go. She'd choose another doctor, another facility -- whatever.

As a Catholic who was on the pill for years and years, I just don't get it. Why should the Church provide birth control? I don't think it should get to dictate national law and make choices for everyone, but it should get to state it's moral stance up front and allow workers and health care consumers to react accordingly.

As a Christian I'm a firm believer in BC. I believe that God gave us free will for a reason, that he wants us to take responsibility for ourselves, our lives and our choices. I also believe if God wants a woman to conceive, she will and not even virginity can keep it from happening.

My father once used an example of someone walking on hot coals relying on faith that God would protect them. The person was burned and when they questioned why God wasn't there God told them that they knew the coals were hot and that they would burn. He told them that is was not His fault that the person didn't use the gifts they were given to avoid doing something so foolish.

I say use your gifts, make people's lives better, help, do no harm. As you said God controls life and death, ask anyone who's gone through years of IVF and had loss after loss.

I want to say first that this is not a catholic issue muslims and orthodox jews do not believe in birth control either. I use the nfp method natural family planning. It works well for us and really respects the natural cycles of your body rather than manipulating them. It also teaches your spouse to have respect for you as well rather than him feeling u are always sexually available to him as the pill gives that impression to men. The way i feel a woman can only get prenant a week out of the month why take hormones the rest of the twenty days. ,Plus i know two of my friends mothers died in their forties from cancer ovarian etc and both were on the pill. What the doctors don't tel u is your not really suppose to be on the pill more than five years. So i don't agree that insurance companies should be 1. Making tax payers pay for biryh contruol 2. Being providing a hormone s a form of prevention which is a known cancer causer 3. They shouldn't make religious institutions pay for something that is against there teachings it is niot for the government to push their values ona religion after all america was formed for the right to practice their religion i.e. the pilgrams. Finally some churches follow this belief because they follow the commandment in the bible "Be fruitful and multiply" thankfully some churches have found a happy medium with the nfp method which works with your body not against it.

Birth control is cheaper than supporting a child from birth to 18, no doubt. Yes, birth control should be made free or affordable to those who are low income if they CHOOSE to take birth control. If it's against your religion to use it, then don't use it. However, I believe one has to take responsibility for one's choices whether it's before sex or after the deed has been done. Should the taxpayers have to pay for your kid because you can't??? Well, here's how I look at it: These kids end up getting the short end of the stick just like the taxpayers who have to fund these programs do. No, it's not right to have to pay for someone else's choices; it's debatable depending on where you stand on this issue. The bottom line here is that once a child is brought into this world, it is only humane to give that child healthcare, food, and an education. After all, it's not the child's fault that he/she was brought into this world.

I am a practicing Catholic & have used oral contraceptives for many years. M husband & I know what we can handle & we have one beautiful daughter. The church/bishops (all celibate men by the way) have no clue what it means/costs to raise a family nor do they have any hands on or emotional experience to make these calls. They should stay out of the bedroom. Period.

That said. Much of what the bible teaches and what the Church "fathers" (no mothers in sight remember) teach about sex and birth control are outdated & bible based in that they are looking at a time in history when many women and children either died young or in child birth.
I worked in a Catholic hospital for many years & I paid for my own birth control pills. My family. Our choice.

Yes i believe in birth control.
And i think your other question about if we are paying for that child is stupid. My opinion. Yea you pay taxes, but most people pay taxes at some point or another, so they paid their dues. But you are not personaly handing that person a check every month are you? nope

I'm a terrible Catholic on this one. I absolutely KNOW the Church's teaching on this and don't follow it. (<--- full disclosure).

That being said... the Church's teaching is that ALL sex should be open to the creation of life and that ONLY sex should create life. So, yes... the Church is against pulling out, bcp, condoms, iud, diaphragms, sponges, spermicide... everything that means you are not OPEN to conception during sex. The Church allows NFP (the "rythym method") as a way of understanding your fertility, but you are still supposed to be OPEN to life when you have sex.

Also, yes, the church prohibits IVF because life is not created through intercourse.

NICUs are a different story because the Church doesn't prohibit extraordinary measures to save life... they allow all kinds of ICUs etc. It's only the acts of beginning and ending life that have to be left up to God.

I don't think it's a "rather pay" issue. Even if kids were FREE, I'd say employer provided health insurance should cover whatever medicine the patient and her DOCTOR deem necessary. Working for the fire department (or more accurately a school or library owned by the fire department) wouldn't mean I have to pay a premium for matches (even if my hypothetical employer doesn't want me to play with them). The choice and responsibility would still be mine.

Hope this helps.

T.

From what I understand, most birth control prevents implantation, so conception has already taken place and the creation of a child has been initiated. But putting any barrier in the way of conception is technically wrong. NFP and FAM and other methods work with a women's cycle and not against it.

As for paying for one thing versus another....I'd rather bear my neighbor's burden than lose a soul... It's a bit dehumanizing to assign a dollar sign to a baby, don't you think?

Here is a detailed discussion of the catholic view of contraception:
http://www.catholic.com/tracts/birth-control

And this why catholics are against IVF:(from http://www.staycatholic.com/what_is_wrong_with_in-vitro_f...)
"Father Tadeusz PachoIczyk, director of education at the National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia, explained that the Church teaches that the procedure is immoral for several reasons. "It undermines the meaning of sex. It violates the exclusivity of the couple's marriage covenant," Father Pacholczyk said. "It says that it is okay to manufacture life in a laboratory as if it were a commodity, when it should be the result of human love."

"There's also the ancillary evil of freezing embryonic humans that are later abandoned or poured down the sink if they are not useful," he added. In addition, Father Pacholczyk noted that babies created through in-vitro fertilization have an elevated risk of birth defects. "Studies have shown a six fold elevated risk for in-vitro fertilization children contracting an eye disease called retinal blastoma versus normally conceived babies," he said. "In-vitro fertilization is very unnatural. You're extracting ova from the woman, culturing them and inspecting the developing embryo in a laboratory setting. They are in a completely unnatural environment for a very long time before they are put back into the womb.

You've got some really good answers. I do not believe in judging people. God gave us fee will and it is up to us to make our own decisions. He also gave us the extra nerves down under to feel good. The church I go to is against BC unless it's the counting method. (Yes, it's Catholic, and they hold counting method classes, which really shocked me.) My aunt had 13 children that way, I guess she had a lot of trouble counting. I'm too old to really care about BC. I do not feel religious organizations should have to pay for something they don't believe is right. You know when you are hired what their position is. If you don't like their position, then find a job else where. I can't understand people, especially atheists, wanting to work for an organization they don't even believe in. "When in Rome, do like the Romans do." I do feel insurance companies get away with a lot and should be responsible, since they are not affiliated with any religion. Insurance companies won't even pay for cavities to be filled once you become a certain age or even for cleaning, because they feel senior citizens should all have removable false teeth; so of course they are going to try and get out of paying for BC.

I think birth control is a personal choice. I think that used abortion as birth control is the poorest of choices a woman can make. I think that if a woman cannot use birth control or chooses to not use it then she should not be looked down upon either.

It is a personal choice and not one for a church, a law, a politician, a friend, a husband, anyone but that particular woman for herself.

i really don't understand how anyone, especially a WOMAN could be against a woman's right to decide whether or not she wants to have a BABY.
Furthermore, if there is a God, why would he (he?!) discriminate against, oh, HALF the population in this way?

.

I am for it.. However, I would say that if a person's doesn't want or can't afford the pill then there are reliable ways to track one's cycle. it does take work and you need to make sure you do it all the time. I don't agree however that anyone else should pay for someone else's contraception. To me, that is a persons own responsibility as are the end results when or if you do end up pregnant..