Many cultures and religions don't believe in any form of contraceptive methods since they believe it goes against Gods wishes and also being culturally wrong . In the Middle Eastern culture, some of the "old school" wives did not practice any method of birth control, leaving many of our parents with several siblings. For example, my father has 8 brothers and sisters and my mother has 7 brothers and sisters, which is really unheard of nowadays. It was how over the years and generation after generation, it was passed on how a woman must bring so many children to help in work and support of family. My mother, who is Middle Eastern, did not choose to go into the same path as her ancestors did and used birth control. Although she had 4 kids, it was by choice and controlled of when she wanted to have them.
There are some woman in our culture that still do not believe in birth control because the majority of them are usually poor, under or uneducated, married off at a young age and not realize what choices they may have. Most of these where due to cultural reasons, and others come from the religious aspect of things, for example the Middle Eastern Catholics. Many Middle Eastern Catholics are very much against birth control and any form of abortion. They feel it goes against God and the reason we are here on earth, which is to multiply. No matter what culture and religion one may be, in the end its really a woman's choice. It should be up to us if we decide to go through a pregnancy or to prevent one from happening. Times have changed and I hope women around the world are given that opportunity to choose as we have here in the U.S.
Dana Anderson
Hi Dana,
ReplyDeleteI agree that pregnancy should be a woman’s choice. I know that birth control goes against many religions, but I feel that it is better to use the birth control than to bring a child into this world and not want to take care of it. Choosing to use birth control is a responsible decision for people that do not want children. If it isn’t used and an unintended pregnancy occurs, the parents may not want the responsibility of the child, resulting in neglect or abuse, an undesirable home life, or leaving the kids with someone else. Having a kid is a big responsibility and it is one that should be taken very seriously! As a parent, you are in total control of a child’s life and they deserve nothing but the best.
Meghan McGehee
It was interesting to hear your perspective on birth control based upon your family's experiences. I think if a woman feels forced to keep having children, and is made to feel that is her only contribution, it is wrong and oppresive. If a culture esteems large families AND a woman's role and contribution to society and she chooses this, then that is different. I feel birth control should be available to all women, despite religion and culture. I have known several Catholic women who have a diagnosed mental illness or struggle with depression . I think the Church should not punish these women. They should not be limited in their marriages due to the fact they do not want to have children.
ReplyDeleteThank you,
Amy Hicks
Hello Dana,
ReplyDeleteIsn't amazing how much culture influences people’s choices and decision making? Women should have the right to decide when and how many children they want to have. In all reality the woman is the person who has to carry a child for nine months, deliver, and raise their children till they are old enough to take care of themselves. Some women don't want children and I think that a woman should be able to have the choice in deciding on having children or not. It really makes you feel grateful at how well we have it here in the United States because we are able to make our own choices, especially ones on having children or not.
Brittany LeBron
Dana,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree that it should be a woman's choice with regards to birth control. I support a woman's choice to continue religious practices with birth control, however times has changed (as cliché as that sounds). The cost of raising a child has changed tremendously. When my grandmother was growing up with 13 brothers and sisters, they had a farm for food and made their own clothes. Now raising 13 children is next to impossible even with two salaries. Families struggle raising 3 children with two salaries now, much less more.
Kerri