I didn't really get an answer about birth control...so I'll try again....?

Question

In reference to a question I asked some time ago:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Ali69Qh8yZOGoCVORtE20.fsy6IX?qid=20070326161925AAtfWDA

I appreciate everyone who took the time to answer, but no one bothered to answer the main part of my question. Let me try and reword it:

In a religion that does not believe in using birth control (other than Family Planning,) would it be okay to take an oral contreceptive to help prevent a medical condition like endometriosis? While it is not a fact that progesterone only contreceptives do that, there is significant evidence for it. Since the birth control is being prescribed basically as medicine rather than as something that "interferes with procreation," would it be acceptable?

*Again, this is not meant to be offensive. I don't want to know whether I should use contreceptives or not. I just want to know how people in these religions would view this.

Okay...why do I bother? Thank you, Morgan for answering the question.

Thank you, now that I'm starting to get some answers.

This question does not pertain to me. I belong to no religion.

Answer 1

>>In a religion that does not believe in using birth control (other than Family Planning,) would it be okay to take an oral contreceptive to help prevent a medical condition like endometriosis?<<

In Catholicism, yes, it would be okay:

"On the other hand, the Church does not consider at all illicit the use of those therapeutic means necessary to cure bodily diseases, even if a foreseeable impediment to procreation should result there from -- provided such impediment is not directly intended for any motive whatsoever." -- Humanae Vitae 15
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/paul_vi/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-vi_enc_25071968_humanae-vitae_en.html

EDIT: Lal, "pulling out" is not an acceptable form of birth control in Catholicism.

Answer 2

I can answer this question from the perspective of Catholic priests I know. Although Catholic doctrine says that EVERY act of intercourse must be "open to conception," taking oral contraceptives to control endometriosis would be acceptable to them, and to almost all Roman Catholic priests, in the United States.

You might get a few who would rule the other way, but as a general rule, because the OC is being taken for a non-contraceptive problem -- the endometriosis -- you'd be okay.

This contradicts the current Roman Catholic teaching on condoms, which says that even though someone might be wearing them for a non-contraceptive reason, like protection from HIV/AIDS, they are still not permitted. Under the new Pope, Benedict 16, this MIGHT change, but it might not. American priests keep trying to get it changed, and I assume priests in other countries may have similar hopes.

Meg Michaels gave you a very good answer with the link right to the Vatican explaining the oral contraceptive rule. The difference seems to be that OC for endometriosis is meant to CURE a medical condition, whereas condoms are meant to PREVENT a disease -- prevention which could just as easily be accomplished by not having sex in the first place.

Islam does not permit oral contraceptives, but I don't know how most imams generally feel about taking them for a medical reason. Islam has no Pope, so each imam is his own authority and can make up his own mind.

Answer 3

well i think birth control pills has many reasoning's why females take them other than to prevent pregnancy. There is the other factor where it helps the female regulate her ovulation cycle. But if your asking if it would be against people that do not believe in using birth control, it would go against there religion, just because it interferes with procreation as you have said. By all means no disrespect, but if you need the birth control pills for other reason for your health, i think you should take it regardless of how others will perceive you. your health is what you need for the future and today.

Answer 4

I think everyone is missing the point. These hormones have gotten into common language and as so many people refuse to take time to really understand things, they are often confused. What people are really looking for is a way to not feel guilty for their actions.

I believe that all religions would love to not "interfere with procreation", but you're dealing with a health concern. In that case any part of the clergy would be foolish to tell you not to take care of yourself.

Finally, as GOD has never set down with any particular individual and gave them government over the bodies of the entire populous, most advice is just speculation given by what would be called authority figures who came into those position by politics. Since it is up to GOD when anyone is to reproduce there are times to use your best judgment.

Answer 5

It will depend on who you ask within the church itself

personally, I believe that if God wants a woman to conceive, then it doesnt matter what kind of birth control you try to use, it will happen. I have that much faith in God... that His will will be done no matter what I try to do to stop it....

that being said, taking the 'pill' for your endometriosis control is perfectly acceptable ... most 'church' rules go by the motive of why you are taking them. If it is to help a condition, and it is only a side affect that is stopping your body from releasing an egg, then it 'should' be ok....

I would seek God on it... and if after you have prayed, and you truly feel God is ok with it, then it doesnt matter what a church says.... if it is a Faith believing church that follows God and the bible, they should have faith that God speaks to you and gives you peace....

not that it is any of their business

(btw, when we took 'classes' before a certain church would 'bless' our marriage, dh said he didnt see anything wrong with birth control, and the priest said "as long as it is for the right reasons it is ok" ... so we just didnt worry about it... our reasoning was right at the time.. and yours is too, even more so! as ours was just to NOT procreate)

Answer 6

If the complaint were endometriosis, oral progesterone would be an appropriate treatment. The fact that it is the same treatment for contraception does not change it's mode of action. Futher, someone with such endometriosis would be at risk for a severely uncomfortable and high risk pregnancy. Not treating could be considered immoral.

Answer 7

If life begins at conseption it isn't wrong to prevent conseption as long as you arn't terminating after conseption. I'm assuming you are catholic and I thing that your chuch believes that life begins before conseption. I just don't understand that line of thinking. Because boys masterbate and that gets rid of sells that could be fertilizing an egg. That means that almost every twelve year old on earth is al capone!

I know there are pills that prevent a fertilized egg from implanting and I don't agree with that. Read up on your medicion and see how it works.

If you were my daughter, I would tell you to take the meds you need to stay health.

Hope this helps.

Answer 8

Well if you have endometriosis you can't or will have serious problems procreating anyway. So taking BC isn't really prohibiting you from having children.

So I would go with, yes I think it would be OK to take BC to help with another problem. If you really feel that adamant about it you should talk with your priest or spiritual advisor about it and get their take on it.

Really they are the only ones that can give you that sort of answer correctly.

Answer 9

I personally don't think birth control is a bad thing. Period. If someone has endometriosis, then they probably aren't having sex anyway because it's too painful, so go for it. One could still use the natural planning method to try and avoid fertilizing an egg.

Answer 10

I would seek counsel from a clergyman (or other figure) of your religion, or church. From my viewpoint if it's NOT for preventing pregnancy, and there is no other known medication for endometriosis that works as/more effectively than birth control, I don't think there would be a problem. However different religions have strict rules, etc.