Normally, I wouldn’t post this type of “rant” on this blog, but I need to vent just a wee bit. I read several blogs at HomeschoolBlogger.com and I came across a post this afternoon that produced feelings of confusion as to how this could happen in the state of NC. Since I do live in this state, I am very concerned as to where this is all leading.
The post brought attention to an article in the News & Observer stating that “the morning after pill will now be sold over the counter in NC”. This in itself is troublesome, the thought of it being so convenient for people to use this as a form of birth control is just mindboggling. But I think what was even more troublesome was the callous attitude toward human life of some of the women being interviewed in support of this action.
“We encourage people to keep [emergency contraception] on hand in case of mistakes,” said Paige Johnson, spokeswoman for Planned Parenthood of Central North Carolina, which operates in Chapel Hill and Durham. “When people understand how it works, it’s an ‘aha’ moment. This prevents pregnancy.”
Rebecca, a 24-year-old Raleigh woman who asked that her full name not be used, said she is grateful Plan B was available as a prescription drug a few years ago, when she and her boyfriend had to decide what to do after the condom broke. They went to Planned Parenthood for a prescription. Now it will be easier for women and their partners to have peace of mind if they have unprotected s*x, Rebecca said.
“It’s another preventive step you can take,” she said.
I’m sorry, but wouldn’t a “preventive step” be to abstain? Pregnancy is not a disease or medical condition that we have no control over. We do have a choice in the matter. If you are going to make that choice that coulld produce any doubt that you could become pregnant, then shouldn’t you be responsible for the outcome? Here is yet another reason for women and men to release their responsibility to choices they have made and place their trust in a pill.
What if it doesn’t work? What if the drug has not been researched fully? How could it actually harm the mother and fetus? Could it cause birth defects if it does not work as intended? If so, wouldn’t this produce a whole new set of issues?
This post is really not intended to be in opposition of abortion or birth control, although I do not support them either. My concern is that women are relying on a pill to provide them with the protection and security they believe they need. They are putting their bodies in harm’s way and are tossing aside a life as if it has no meaning. How can we place a creation so wonderful in our own hands?
It makes me sad to realize also that the attitude of our culture is leaning in the direction of taking less responsibilty for our actions. I am trying to raise my son to be responsible and yet the culture is screaming “less responsibility is better”. What do I do with that?
The other thing that troubles me about this attitude is the fact that my husband and I have been trying to conceive a child for the past 2+ years with no results and yet there are people that will toss aside an opportunity to conceive. This is a problem. How many women would love the opportunity to conceive a child and yet, other women are given the control to end a life before it even starts. This is a problem. How can we as a culture, promote or allow this type of behavior?
If I could say one thing to a woman who thinks that this is a good thing, I would say:
Trust God, He is your protector, He will lead you into relationships and choices that honor Him. I know, He did just that for me. There was a time when I would have not given this issue a second thought. God’s grace is there. He wants to offer it to you. It is free and comes with such freedom.
HT: Tami
