- In what ways could someone’s culture, beliefs and practices influence contraceptive decision making?
One’s cultural and religious beliefs have a great influence on the decisions women make about contraceptives. I state ‘women’ because it is usually up to the woman to take the necessary precautions regarding birth control, especially in my culture - I am African-American where the majority of the women take birth control pills, injections or Norplants. Although, birth control is discussed between the couple, it is the woman who is responsible for taking the birth control pills, ensuring that she has adequate refills and/or makes her appointment for the next scheduled injection. I am also Protestant and I have been reared and taught according to the bible that ‘we should be fruitful and multiply’ (Genesis 9:1-7) – which has been interpreted as contraceptives such as birth control pills, Norplants, injections, etc. are not acceptable. Since these types of effective birth control methods are not acceptable, many women are embarrassed to admit that they use any of these contraceptives. Note the different religious based views and some modern misconceptions regarding contraceptives listed on Wikipedia’s website:
Religions vary widely in their views of the ethics of birth control. In Christianity, the Roman Catholic Church accepts only Natural Family Planning,[20] while Protestants maintain a wide range of views from allowing none to very lenient.[21] Views in Judaism range from the stricter Orthodox sect to the more relaxed Reformed sect.[22] In Islam, contraceptives are allowed if they do not threaten health or lead to sterilty, although their use is sometimes discouraged.[23] Hindus may use both natural and artificial contraceptives.[24]
Modern misconceptions and urban legends have given rise to a great deal of false claims:
~~The suggestion that douching immediately following intercourse works as a contraceptive is untrue. While it may seem like a sensible idea to try to wash the ejaculate out of the vagina, it does not work. Due to the nature of the fluids and the structure of the female reproductive tract–if anything, douching spreads semen further towards the uterus. Some slight spermicidal effect may occur if the douche solution is particularly acidic, but overall it is not scientifically observed to be a reliably effective method.
~~The suggestion to shake a bottle of Coca-Cola and insert it into the vagina after ejaculation is not a form of birth control, it does not prevent pregnancy, and doing this can also promote candidiasis (yeast infections).
~~It is a myth that a female cannot get pregnant the first time she engages in sexual intercourse.
~~While women are usually less fertile for the first few days of menstruation,[11] it is a myth that a woman cannot get pregnant if she has sex during her period.
~~Having sex in a hot tub does not prevent pregnancy, but may contribute to vaginal infections.
~~Although some sex positions may encourage pregnancy, no sexual positions prevent pregnancy. Having sex while standing up or with a woman on top will not keep the sperm from entering the uterus. The force of ejaculation, the contractions of the uterus caused by prostaglandins[citation needed] in the semen, as well as ability of sperm to swim overrides gravity.
~~Sneezing or urinating after sex are also completely ineffective, they do not prevent pregnancy and are not forms of birth control.
~~Toothpaste cannot be used as an effective contraceptive[12]
Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. (2007). Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Religious and cultural
attitudes. Retrieved February 9, 2007, fromhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birth_control#Religious_and_cultural_attitudes
2 comments:
Your presentation of the various contraception views seen in America as our society continues to diversify is very interesting. Most of the religious beliefs and practices you presented are not surprising as their stance on birth control meshes well with their other beliefs and standards. I think many woman and possibly men, even though they do not claim to be religious still uphold the religious values and beliefs of their parents or other family members. Our society, whether we admit or not, is grounded in conviction and religion. Look at the way we procreate…just as the Bible proposes.
I believe in procreation and would fear the consequences if we do not adhere to those Biblical principles. Yet as I age, mature, and see the world from a more realistic and rational eye, I know that God did not mean for everyone to have children. For many, their bodies will not allow it and for others they know they cannot handle the responsibility. I believe this follows the principles of our uniqueness. We are all vastly different and have been given special and distinctive traits that only belong to us. Similarly our purposes on this earth too have unique requirements and specifications that we each meet and fill. I have a sister who will not have children due to cancer and her specific circumstances beyond which were beyond her control - she cannot and will not procreate yet there are so much else she is able to do to contribute to society.
In my Blog this week I talk about the disgust that surrounds child abuse and neglect, especially when it concerns the unborn child. It is an agonizing and valid dilemma that many of us will face in our careers in the healthcare field. I believe we need to understand and apply the principle that everyone should not…have children.
Your Blog is unique and your post are always interesting. Your ideas, thoughts, and information always makes me curious. Keep up the excellent work.
I was also raised in a Christian home and at one time spent a few years attending a Catholic private school, where we were taught that "birth control" was wrong, because it was a form of abortion in the opinion of the Bible. But I since then have come to the conclusion from attending church and talking to other members that maybe it was not so much the Bible that stated that opinion exactly, but more how you interpreted it all. My teacher at the time in religion classes in school interpreted it that "birth control" was wrong no matter what, and I now see it as if you are using protection to avoid getting pregnant that is a lot different than an abortion. In my view it is not a life until after the egg and the sperm have come together to start conception (and then has a heartbeat). I do not view it as abortion or wrong to prevent the joining of sperm and egg, because at that point there is no life. Maybe I am interpreting things weird, too, but everyone in society has a different view and with saying that, it does not mean any view is wrong, just different.
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