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ADAPTING FAMILY PLANNING TO LOCAL CIRCUMSTANCES
Which family planning methods are appropriate in your area, and which are not?
This will depend on local circumstances, beliefs, and customs, including . . .
RELIGION: In some areas, religion influences people’s attitudes about family
planning, and may dictate which methods (if any) are acceptable. It is important that
health workers respect people’s religious beliefs. At the same time, it is important
for them to realize that some religious leaders and the beliefs they teach help to
perpetuate* a social order that keeps a few privileged people on top and the poor
on the bottom.
Within the same religion, some leaders may be rigid and resistant to change,
while others may be more open and flexible. Some may believe in doing things just
the way they have always been done. Others consider the people’s present needs,
and interpret the scriptures so as to best serve their modern reality.
Among Catholic leaders,
for example, there has been a
great deal of argument about
family planning. Some say
that artificial contraception
is a sin, and only approve of
‘natural ways’, such as the
rhythm and mucus (Billings)
methods. Others argue that
if family planning can help
protect health or improve
the quality of life for a family,
then the method most likely
to give the desired results
should be used. For example,
some leaders now promote
condoms because they are the best protection against HIV. The choice, they feel,
should be left to the conscience of each family.
Some religious leaders defend family planning on the grounds that it helps prevent
unwanted pregnancies and lowers the high rate of intentional abortions. In fact, a
study in one city (Boston) showed that the rate of intentional abortion is highest
among women whose religions forbid artificial birth control—even though those
religions also forbid abortion!
In places where religion strongly influences attitudes toward family planning,
these matters can be discussed among health workers and community people.
But the health workers will need skill in leading such discussions and in raising
delicate questions without causing great offense. Holding practice discussions
during training may help prepare them. It also may help to invite a religious leader or
someone from a birth control or HIV prevention program to take part in, or lead, the
discussion. If possible, this should be a person who respects and defends the rights
of the poor and who works toward social change.
*Perpetuate: To make something last or continue.