Today, I began putting together some research in preparation of posting some information that might be readily available. When I entered the search term "Natural Family Planning" on the National Library website, I found a very interesting article from the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology from February 2011.
Entitled "Obstetrician-gynecologists' view on contraception and natural family planning: a national survey" Dr Lawrence et al mailed 1800 surveys to OB/GYNs all across the country. They asked if whether these physicians might have a moral or ethical objection to, and whether they would offer 6 common contraceptive methods
Oral Contraceptives
Progesterone implants and/or injections
Intrauterine devices
Diaphragms/Cervical caps
Condoms
Tubal ligation
What I found interesting, and somewhat sad about the result was the attitude of the 262 Catholic OB/GYN's who answered the survey
Overall 4.9% of all US OB/GYN's who answered have a moral or ethical objection to a contraceptive method
2% (20) Catholic OB/GYNs objected to one or more method
8% (23) would not offer 1 or more contraceptive methods
To be fair, the survey found that those doctors who stated that they were more religious (went to church twice a month or more) or that religion was more important to them were more likely to object to contraception.
more telling was the attitude of the Catholic physicians when asked if natural family planning was a poor option for most women. 56% (145) of the Catholic respondents agreed that NFP was a poor option.
The authors actually single out the Catholic physician response in their. They quote Humanae Vitae, and then later comment " ...Among Catholic physicians, who belong to an organization (emp added) that teaches that all birth control except natural family planning is "intrinsically evil", a large percentage had no objections and would provide birth control if requested.
They cite other reports that include a statement that Catholic clients were over represented at early birth control clinics and a catholic news agency article from 2010 that found that 63% of US catholics believe church teachings on condoms should change. Then the kicker statement:
"People who endorse a particular religious affiliation do not necessarily endorse all of that religion's teachings." REALLY?!?
People have to realize that the heresies in the days of King Henry the VIII were created because Martin Luther did not endorse "all of his religions teachings." While I am no theologian, does it take a lifetime of learning to see that the many protestant denominations that have developed over time all come about from the same basic process?
There is an uphill battle convincing people of the dangers of Contraception. Despite recent reports that the FDA is looking at the risk of venous thrombo-embolism, there is no slowing the tide at present. The paper concludes with the statement."Although controversy about contraception has by no means disappeared, it does not appear to be a significant source of division among obstetrician gynecologist physicians in the United States.
An objection to contraception is euphemistically joked about in my institution, where just about, if not all of the OB/GYN offices openly prescribe contraceptives. I see physicians wearing crucifixes around their necks and have IUD pins on their lab coat lapels....
But good news....I recently had a frank discussion with someone who had been on OCP's for 12 years. Due to her "social status" she stopped taking the pills. What she could not believe was how much better she felt. She is sleeping better, has more energy, and overall, feels great! Wouldn't it be wonderful if more people would give themselves the opportunity to feel this way!
St Gianna Pray for us
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