re: Steve Koob's insightful comment

[Guest guest]

Steve is right, this is a wonderful opportunity to let people know WHY contraception is wrong. As a background, it helps to know that the statement that 98% of currently sexually active women of reproductive age have ever used contraception includes 16% who have used some sort of rhythm method. Also, of those 98% only 61% are currently contracepting, half of them via sterilization. Sadly only 0.2-0.4% of any of the age subgroups are using NFP. But beyond correcting the facts spouted by the proponents of the contraceptive mandate, how best to counter? Fear of physical side-effects has not deterred those who do not experience them, and who are sure it isn’t going to happen to them. Perhaps asking about current enjoyment of their freedom (from procreation) can open some to reflection. Half of contraceptive steroid users experience reduction or loss of libido. How do they view themselves in the relationship? How does their partner view them? These are delicate questions. Anyone asking them needs counseling skills, as being perceived as laying a guilt trip on people more often than not invites rejection. Sometimes underlying issues of femininity etc. underlie the choices. More often their doctor has given no other “effective options” etc. as Marguerite Duane and others have pointed out. Clearly the vision of a better marriage based on true mutuality can be voiced if the person indicates that their current relationship is less than ideal… but we need to be realistic. Even with NFP we’re not going to have heaven on earth. As many from Benedict XVI keep reminding us, embracing the cross does not eliminate suffering , but it makes it meaningful and bearable.. Hanna Klaus… Hanna Klaus, M.D.Natural Family Planning Center of Washington, D.C. and Teen STAR Program4400 East West Highway # 911Bethesda, MD 20814-4510 hannaklaus@...http://www.teenstarprogram.org