Contraception In Africa

[Tink]

[color="#4169E1"][b]Hi guys!

I haven't been on PM in quite awhile, but I've encountered quite a dilemma. I am training to be a missionary to Africa with a non-religious humanitarian organization, and I am basically the only Catholic one in the entire program. While I have told the directors that I can in no way work with the HIV/AIDS program because of my stances on contraception, it is difficult because everyone seems to accept the fact that contraception is the only way to go. When the issue is discussed in the group, people basically ask me how I can look at millions of dying children, men, and women in Africa and still follow the Church's teaching on it. I have read all that Pope Benedict has to say about it, but the points he makes are really only effective in defending the teaching in light of the Catholic faith. How do I present an effective argument to people who are not Catholic, or religious at all? If someone could suggest something that appeals more to practicality than faith-based ideals, I would really appreciate it!

Erin[/b][/color]

[Archaeology cat]

I recently read a good article that dealt with this on a practical level - I think it was in Time magazine, or another popular news source, but I can't remember right now. I'll try to find it. Anyway, it was talking about how shoving condoms at people in Africa isn't working because the humanitarian workers are failing to take into account the culture. Such as the polygyny. I will go and look for that article now.

[Nathan]

I don't know how good an argument this is, but this is what I generally say to people who say that the Catholic Church's stance on contraception is making the AIDS crisis in Africa worse (essentially, that Africans aren't using condoms [i]because[/i] of the Catholic Church's position against contraception):

If Africans were really obeying the Catholic Church, they wouldn't be engaging in promiscuous behavior. But since they are engaging in promiscuous behavior -- and these are the people who are responsible for the spread of AIDS -- then evidently they aren't really obeying the Catholic Church. So what makes you think that they're suddenly [i]obeying[/i] the Catholic Church when it comes to not using condoms?

There is also the issue of sound solutions. Logically, wouldn't abstinence and chastity be better solutions than a continuation of the exact same sexual behavior as before -- which is, again, the primary cause of the African AIDS crisis -- but just with condoms? Not to be crude or insulting, but throwing condoms at these people is like rubbing deodorant on foul arm-pits. What Africans really need to do is make better [i]lifestyle[/i] choices, not continue down the same path but with an added protective device that is less than secure.

[Lena]

Good question! I've been wondering about this for awhile now.
[quote name='Nathan' post='1431904' date='Dec 9 2007, 01:59 PM']I don't know how good an argument this is, but this is what I generally say to people who say that the Catholic Church's stance on contraception is making the AIDS crisis in Africa worse (essentially, that Africans aren't using condoms [i]because[/i] of the Catholic Church's position against contraception):

If Africans were really obeying the Catholic Church, they wouldn't be engaging in promiscuous behavior. But since they are engaging in promiscuous behavior -- and these are the people who are responsible for the spread of AIDS -- then evidently they aren't really obeying the Catholic Church. So what makes you think that they're suddenly [i]obeying[/i] the Catholic Church when it comes to not using condoms?

There is also the issue of sound solutions. Logically, wouldn't abstinence and chastity be better solutions than a continuation of the exact same sexual behavior as before -- which is, again, the primary cause of the African AIDS crisis -- but just with condoms? Not to be crude or insulting, but throwing condoms at these people is like rubbing deodorant on foul arm-pits. What Africans really need to do is make better [i]lifestyle[/i] choices, not continue down the same path but with an added protective device that is less than secure.[/quote]

I don't think the argument on promiscuity really reaches the core of it though. Saying that promiscuous people are responsible for the spread of HIV/AIDS is insulting to the African cultures, because this is an epidemic that involves many factors. Poverty, stressed living, the far-reaching effects of colonization, lack of effective health care (preventative learning) and education systems for many countries. Also, many innocent babies are born with HIV/AIDS, which continues the cycle. It'd be great to make better lifestyle choices--if those lifestyle choices were easily available. What would happen to a woman, I wonder, that refused her husband. A brave act to do so, I'm sure, and not an easy choice for many. I'm not saying condoms should be required, but realize there aren't simple answers or reasons for this.

Also, I [i]really[/i] don't like your metaphor.

Edited December 9, 2007 by Lena

[cathoholic_anonymous]

[quote name='Tink' post='1431861' date='Dec 9 2007, 05:13 PM'][color="#4169E1"][b]Hi guys!

I haven't been on PM in quite awhile, but I've encountered quite a dilemma. I am training to be a missionary to Africa with a non-religious humanitarian organization, and I am basically the only Catholic one in the entire program. While I have told the directors that I can in no way work with the HIV/AIDS program because of my stances on contraception, it is difficult because everyone seems to accept the fact that contraception is the only way to go. When the issue is discussed in the group, people basically ask me how I can look at millions of dying children, men, and women in Africa and still follow the Church's teaching on it. I have read all that Pope Benedict has to say about it, but the points he makes are really only effective in defending the teaching in light of the Catholic faith. How do I present an effective argument to people who are not Catholic, or religious at all? If someone could suggest something that appeals more to practicality than faith-based ideals, I would really appreciate it!

Erin[/b][/color][/quote]

I think you should read up on Uganda's success in combatting HIV/AIDS, based on a model that emphasises the importance of abstinence and marital fidelity. Contraception is still available in Uganda, but it was only ever intended as a safety-net - [i]not[/i] a primary solution. As a result, fewer people resort to its use. So far Uganda has been the most successful African country in fighting the disease.

You should also point out that the causes and impact of AIDS differ from place to place, so it is strange to advocate contraception as a blanket solution. At best, contraception can only control the fire; it will never ever put it out, especially as condoms can't guarantee protection from the virus. (This point is an extremely good one to make, as poor storage conditions and dubious manufacturing standards mean that the condoms being given out in Africa are significantly less effective than the ones being given out in the UK.) A more sensitive approach that tailors unique solutions for each area would be much better.

[Tink]

Hey, thank you so much for your input guys, I really appreciate it! Those are good thoughts and I definitely have a lot of homework to do!

God bless!

[jeffpugh]

Also, to those interested, www.pureloveclub.com has some good stuff on contraception.