Comments on: Sex, Birth Control And Religion Are A Complicated Mix

By: Ela

Ela — Sun, 04 May 2008 15:34:18 +0000

The issue is clear – the Pope has a right to say what he wants to Catholics, Catholics have a right to ignore it or heed it, and governments have a right to establish public health policies requiring pharmacists to do their job, which at times may mean dispensing such pills. If pharmacists “conscienciously object” to performing the tasks associated with their profession, they should find another profession.

By: Miss Weird Scientist

Miss Weird Scientist — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 21:24:10 +0000

Crispy: I think that perhaps you believe conception is the same as pregnancy but these are two separately defined terms. According to the British Medical Association, pregnancy commences at implantation. Mind you, I realize this is a debated definition. However, I can respect your belief that anything affecting conception is immoral – you’re totally entitled to that.

Still, your comments about ‘ignoring’ what is said bothered me quite a bit! To shut my eyes at everything that I don’t agree with seems to be in line with apathy. The Pope’s comments are far-reaching and they can and do affect people who are not members of the Church. I felt it was important to mention in the blog entry how it affected both members and non-members as well as the entire public and young people.

I am, however, often clearly defined on which ‘side’ I support and I’m in a bit of a middle ground here. As someone who has a strong belief in free speech, I also sway to the side that believes the Pope has every right to share his views in an international format. Thanks for the comments.

By: Crispy

Crispy — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 19:53:20 +0000

Science and politics make a complicated mix too.

Many people twist scientific facts to fit their politics. For example, calling the “morning-after-pill” a contraceptive is only a half truth. As you mentioned, if it prevents the ovary from releasing an egg, this is contraception. If the egg is released and fertilized, then conception has occurred, and the woman is pregnant, by definition. Terminating the life of the child in-utero, whether chemically or surgically is still called abortion.

The Church and its pontiff have a responsibility to clarify moral issues of the day, so Pope Benedict would be shirking his duty to remain silent on the issue. Since the Church teaches that life begins at conception, it is consistent to describe the M.A.P. as an abortifacient and filling a prescription for it as being complicit in a killing. In this view, protecting life is more important than following orders, or eliminating the “inconvenience” caused by getting pregnant.

The Church provides moral guidance to its members, as to what is right and wrong. If you’re not a member of the Church, you can just ignore what Pope Benedict is saying. In this case, just consider that he has a right to his say, as you have a right to yours.

By: Miss Weird Scientist

Miss Weird Scientist — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 17:15:26 +0000

Judy: I disagree somewhat. I think that given the weighting of the Pope’s statements and his standing in the community, a pharmacist may choose to break the law by refusing to dispense the morning-after pill. Unfortunately, the repercussions could be enormous. Access to the morning-after pill is crucial for many people trying to prevent unwanted pregnancies. It’s one thing for him to state that he disagrees with the morning-after pill but it’s another to instruct health professionals not to dispense an important medication.

By: judyb12

judyb12 — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 13:21:20 +0000

I really don’t understand the hubbub caused by the pope’s statement. I mean, he’s the pope, for goodness sake. Don’t we already know that Catholicism does not condone the use of contraception? The fact that he made this statement ‘to health professionals about how to conduct themselves at work’ is immaterial, in my opinion.

I’m not Catholic, and i don’t agree with the Church’s stance on contraception, especially the increasing conservatism demonstrated by J-P II in his last few years and continued by Benedict now. But, they are entitled to their opinions, and they are entitled to instruct the members of their community as they see fit.

By: Miss Weird Scientist

Miss Weird Scientist — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 11:36:47 +0000

Good point, Scott. When someone with a great deal of influence and power makes strong statements about an issue – there can be a lot of pressure to agree and make policies that support the stance. With religion – the effect is amplified – because there is that assumption by many people that a religious leader is someone of high morality. At the same time, what about free speech? Or is this an acceptable limitation that should be placed on free speech?

By: Scott Shewchuk

Scott Shewchuk — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 02:04:54 +0000

Thank you Miss Weird Scientist for bringing this topic up. I think that the religious world should stay away from influencing the minds of not only our politicians, but mostly the young children of today. To me, it’s similar to a parent giving advice to their young ones. The children feel that if they don’t do what mom and dad say they will somehow disappoint them. As well the parents think the children aren’t doing the right thing if they don’t follow their lead. The pope is a respected man throughout the world, and people usually listen to him and that may sway some people’s decisions.
Keep up the good work!