Openness to life - letting go, letting God

[Slider]

I am a new convert to Orthodoxy from Catholicism. I don't believe in any form of contraception whether it be ABC or NFP. I believe in complete openness to life and letting God decide. I do know some Orthodox priests who are against all contraception. I know of others who allow contraception, even the pill. What is the general consensus of Orthodoxy on contraception? Thank you.

 

[Oblio]

Welcome to Orthodoxy and CF Slider

As you may already know, the Orthodox Church tends to take a less formal approach (i.e. cannon #3424 says thusly ...) and a more one on one approach between a father/confessor (under his Bishop) and each couple for pastoral concerns of this nature.

IIRC the general rules are that couples should not practice any means of birth regulation that are abortifacient or that preclude pregnancy for selfish reasons (e.g. We would like to start planning for retirement, bigger house, vacation home ...)

I can't imagine that your views are un-Orthodox when applied to you and your spouse. I would not try to apply them outside of that realm.

My 2 kopecks.

 

[MariaRegina]

Welcome to Orthodoxy and CF Slider

As you may already know, the Orthodox Church tends to take a less formal approach (i.e. cannon #3424 says thusly ...) and a more one on one approach between a father/confessor (under his Bishop) and each couple for pastoral concerns of this nature.

IIRC the general rules are that couples should not practice any means of birth regulation that are abortifacient or that preclude pregnancy for selfish reasons (e.g. We would like to start planning for retirement, bigger house, vacation home ...)

I can't imagine that your views are un-Orthodox when applied to you and your spouse. I would not try to apply them outside of that realm.

My 2 kopecks.

Dear Chris:

What is canon 3424 and who formulated it? I've never heard of it.

 

[Oblio]

Neither have I

It is a ficticious example.

 

[MariaRegina]

Neither have I

It is a ficticious example.

 

[MariaRegina]

This is an example of what artificial birth control and estrogen therapy is doing to our environment and to humans:

Reference:

Rowe, Bruce M. and Stein, Philip L., Physical Anthropology, 8th edition. San Francisco: McGraw 2003.

p. 501 "Endocrine disruptor = Natural and synthetic chemicals that affect the endocrine system."

On page 502

"Humans and wildlife have been exposed to natural endocrine disruptors that are found in clover, soybeans, other legumes, whole grains, and a variety of fruits and vegetables throughout prehistory and history. Exposure to synthetic endocrine disruptors arises from numerous sources including certain pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, products and byproducts associated with plastics, some pharmaceuticals such as birth control pills, certain detergents, various industrial chemicals, and heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium.
"One synthetic estrogen is diethystilbestrol (DES). ...Studies have shown that daughters of mothers who took DES have a higher-than-normal rate of vaginal and cervical cancers. Sons of women who took DES have a higher rate of malformed or small penises, undescended testicles, and abnormal sperm. (Not too long ago, physicians surgically transformed some of these deformed males into females. So some lesbians could be males.) These and other types of reproductive system problems are suspected but have not been conclusively shown to occur in humans exposed to environmental estrogens--synthetic estrogens that get into the soil, air, water, and food."

 

[MariaRegina]

This is a presentation I did for a college health class as an NFP provider:

Natural Family Planning

What is NFP:
It is definitely not rhythm, although many doctors are not educated to know the difference. Rhythm is based on the calendar method which assumes that all women have a 28 day cycle, and that day 14 is the most fertile day of the cycle. Therefore, women under stress with irregular cycles, breastfeeding women or women who are perimenopausal are not able to use the rhythm method with accuracy.

Why use NFP:

1. It is safe, natural, economical, and very effective to delay pregnancy or to achieve pregnancy.

Women’s health. NFP uses no drugs, so there are no side effects.

Men’s health: Vasectomies can lead to prostrate cancer or immunity disorders such as arthritis. Reversal operations are not always effective if the man divorces, remarries and wants a child.

2. It is healthy.
By taking your temperature and charting your signs of fertility, you can tell if there is something wrong. Infections will detected earlier as you will know that you have a fever and or abnormal discolored mucus. A cycle that continues on without an ovulation could be a sign of thyroid cancer. Continuous mucus could be a sign of an ovarian cyst. Continuous spotting could be a sign of a cervical polyp. All of these early warning signs may not be noticed by the woman who does not chart on a daily basis. Also a woman who enters menopause will be aware of her body and will not confuse menopause with pregnancy symptoms. With pregnancy a woman’s BBT is slightly elevated (98.6 to 99.2 degrees F) while in menopause a woman’s basal temperature is usually 98.4 or below. NFP encourages better nutrition, and hence better sex.

Doctors appreciate seeing the charts in order to reach a better diagnosis.

Ecological Breastfeeding as taught by Natural Family Planning is good for the baby and the mother. Up to two or three years of natural infertility can result when the rules for ecological breastfeeding are followed along with NFP charting. Ecological breastfeeding has been proven to space babies.

3. It is effective.

Achieving Pregnancy
About one in four couples are infertile or have problems achieving pregnancy.
NFP teaches good nutrition, as well as techniques for achieving pregnancy.

Avoiding Pregnancy (Up to 99.6% effective when following all the rules.)

Withdrawal isn’t very effective and is rated the lowest of the birth control methods. Why? When a man gets excited just one drop of sperm is often released before withdrawal. This one drop is enough to impregnate a woman.

Condoms must be applied once the man already has a erection; therefore, condoms do not have a very good effective rate. Often the couple has been intimate beforehand, and that drop of sperm is deposited in the female genital area before that condom is applied.

Allergies to latex condoms and the plasticides in the non-latex condoms can cause serious irritation to the female. Allergies to pills can be life threatening.

The Contraceptive Pill, IUD, Contraceptive Inserts have many side effects. (To be discussed later)

4. It is economical. Once trained, all that is needed is a thermometer and charts.

There are three types of Natural Family Planning.

1.Ovulation Method, which observes the cervical mucus.

2.Temperature Method which charts the basal body temperature (BBT).

3.Sympto-Thermal Method, which charts the BBT and the cervical mucus as well as other subtle changes: changes in the cervix, breast tenderness, ovulatory pain and mood swings. This is the most accurate method.

All of these NFP methods require training, cooperation of the spouses and faithful compliance to the rules in order to be effective.

Dr. John Billings, M.D. developed the Ovulation Method.

1.This method can be 90 to 96% effective if all the rules are followed.

2.It has recently been learned that sperm can live up to 5 or 7 days.

3.A verified pregnancy did result in Los Angeles when a eighth grade girl (13 years old) sat on a boy’s lap as they traveled in a bus to the junior high picnic. Both the girl and the boy became excited. She began to lubricate, as she remembers feeling very wet. He [bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse]. The only explanation given by doctors is that the boy’s sperm traveled through his clothing and her clothing, then up into her vagina. She was still a virgin (her hymen was intact) when examined by the doctor but the pregnancy test was positive and she did give birth nine months later.

The Sympto-Thermal Method:
Several European doctors noticed other signs of fertility and improved the Ovulation Method.

NFP can be more accurate in determining the EDC:

Dr. Prem’s rule for Estimated Date of Childbirth (EDC) using NFP:

1.Identify the first day of your upward thermal shift pattern.
2.Subtract 7 days
3.Add 9 months.

 

[Oblio]

Orthodox Natural Family Planning Association

 

[prodromos]

Just the other day I started to add up all the days throughout the year when we, as Orthodox Christians should be fasting.

We have 7 weeks prior to Pascha, almost 6 weeks prior to Christmas, and three weeks prior to Panagia, so that is 112 days so far. Of the remaining 36 weeks we fast wednesday and friday, another 72 days plus add another 4 or 5 days for other strict fasts and slightly over half the year is spent abstaining from sex (among other things).

It seems that the chances of falling pregnant are already greatly reduced

John

 

[MariaRegina]

Here is part of a paper I did on the connection between the use of artificial birth control and abortion:

Oral contraceptives (OC), contraceptive implants and intra-uterine devices (IUD) usually work by preventing the embryo from implanting within the uterus, therefore causing it to abort. "Research into the molecular biology of OC effects has recently elucidated and again confirmed OCs prevent implantation by altering cell adhesion molecules called integrins, chemical receptors which are crucial for uterine receptivity of the newly conceived human being." (Infant Homicides 5) "Women using the IUDs are at great risk for serious adverse effects; the most notable are pelvic inflammatory disease (leading many times to sterility), perforation of the uterus, infection, pelvic pain and ectopic pregnancy. Women using IUDs are l000% more at risk for developing ectopic (tubal) pregnancies which nearly always end with killing of the preborn or risk of rupture and/or death of the mother if pregnancy continues." (Infant Homicides 36)

The women who use contraceptives with other drugs, especially antibiotics, can suffer drug reactions. "There is increasing research and theorizing that the immune suppression acted out by OCs is a contributing factor in the increased incidence of heterosexually-contracted HIV infection. ... Of the multitude of side effects noted over almost 40 years of experience with OCs, five very serious risks are associated with OC use: increased incidence of sexually transmitted diseases; pelvic inflammatory disease; infertility; cervical and breast cancer; and ectopic pregnancy." (Infant Homicides 7)

Some women have died from embolisms which were caused directly by oral contraceptive use. "One was the death of a 19-year-old British secretary in May 1988. She stepped out of her car on the way to work, fell down suddenly and was dead on arrival. ... Another British girl, Christina Robinson, was only 17 years old when she 'died from blood clots after taking a contraceptive pill.' She was using the product Dianette to help control 'mild acne of the face, arms and back.' She was taken to a hospital but died 3 hours later, according to news reports." (Infant Homicides 8)

"Other common drug-induced diseases reported for various OCs include: thromboembolism, coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, hepatic adenomas, gall bladder disease, cholestatic jaundice, cancer (breast, uterine and vaginal), endometriosis, hypercalcemia, porphyria, uterine fibroids, migraines, headache, cycle irregularities, mental depression, vaginal infections, decreased libido and vaginal bleeding inter alia." (Infant Homicides 9)

It's a national tragedy that abortion and abortifacient contraceptives result in either the death or the psychological and/or physical impairment of millions of women and their babies. It is conservatively estimated that between 7.9 million to 13 million infants die through chemical, mechanical and surgical abortions in the USA annually. (cf. Infant Homicides 46) Furthermore, it makes me angry that women have been lied to and betrayed by the legal system that is supposed to protect them. We have been led to believe that abortions and abortifacient drugs are safe and economical when they are not. In addition, the two major decisions in the United States that legalized abortion ("Roe vs. Wade" and "Doe vs. Bolton") were based on lies. (cf. The Right to Life 158, 179) In both cases, the women admitted many years later to the court, that they had been encouraged to lie under oath, and that they had never been raped, contrary to their previous testimony. They simply found themselves pregnant and were embarrassed to admit the truth. Interestingly, in facing the truth, both women have recently converted to Christianity and are now actively involved in the pro-life movement. (cf. The Right to Life 158, 179)

All of the major religions in the world condemn lying, fornication, adultery, murder and abortion. (cf. The Right to Life 146-153) In addition, there are many good atheists, whom I have personally known, who obey a natural law written in their hearts and in their minds, and who follow the "Golden Rule." "It is imperatively necessary to not turn a blind eye to this highly divisive moral and political issue of abortion. We must strive in 'truth and love' to appeal to human conscience, the very core of human existence. We must bring all to the understanding that life is a gift from God which is to be nurtured and revered." (The Right to Life 192)

In order to protect women from the horrors of abortion, we must empower them to say "no" to the seductions and flatteries of dishonest men. In addition, men and women should be taught from their youth to respect each other and to avoid prostitutes. If a gentleman truly loves a lady, he can be faithful and wait until after the marriage ceremony to have sex. The only loving and safe way to enjoy sex is in a monogamous committed relationship. In this way our children will be blessed to have faithfully committed parents, and by their parent's good example, the children, when they reach maturity, will be faithful and true to their own spouses. This must be our goal if our society is to become more gentle, where pregnant women are cared for and are encouraged to offer their newborns for adoption, and are therefore spared the insidious side effects of abortion.

Works Cited

“Consecuencias del aborto para la mujer.” Vida Humana, 2001.
http://www.vidahumana.org/vidafam/aborto/conseq_mujer.html

Harakas, Stanley S., Living the Faith: The Praxis of Eastern Orthodox Ethics. Minneapolis: Light and Life, 1992.

Kuhar, Bogomir M.,PharmD, FASCP, Infant Homicides through Contraceptives. Bardstown: Eternal Life, 2000.

Macaila, Dumitru, The Right to Life: The Eastern Orthodox Christian Perspective on Abortion. Salisbury: Regina Orthodox, 2001.

Mathewes-Green, Frederica, Real Choices: Listening to Women; Looking for Alternatives to Abortion. Ben Lomond: Conciliar Press, 1997.

"Physical health risks of abortion: scientific studies reveal significant risk." Adapted from information provided by the Elliot Institute,
P.O. Box 7348, Springfield, IL 62791 and updated 1/21/2001.
http://www.w-cpc.org/abortion/physical.html

Other reference sources that you may wish to consult:

“Abortion: all sides of the issue.” Bruce A. Robinson, Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance. 2001.
http://www.religioustolerance.org/abortion.htm

“Aborto de nacimiento parcial: el procedimiento.” Vida Humana, 2001.http://www.vidahumana.org/vidafam/aborto/dx.html

“Aborto de nacimiento parcial: 20% aborto; 80% infanticidio." Vida humana, 2001. http://www.vidahumana.org/vidafam/aborto/dxinfant.html

“Believe it: religious Americans are pro-choice.” The Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice. 2001.
http://www.rcrc.org/pubs/speakout/mostamer.htm

“Consecuencias del aborto para la mujer.” Vida Humana, 2001.
http://www.vidahumana.org/vidafam/aborto/conseq_mujer.html

Harakas, Stanley S., Contemporary Moral Issues Facing the Orthodox Christian. Expanded and Revised. Minneapolis: Light and Life, 1982.

Harakas, Stanley S., Living the Faith: The Praxis of Eastern Orthodox Ethics. Minneapolis: Light and Life, 1992.

Kahlenborn, Chris, Breast Cancer: Its Link to Abortion & the Birth Control Pill. Book Review by The Couple to Couple League. 2001
http://www.ccli.org/reviews/kahlenborn.shtml

Kuhar, Bogomir M., Infant Homicides through Contraceptives. Bardstown: Eternal Life, 2000.

“La raíz del aborto.” Tom Dufner. Vida Humana. 2001.
http://www.vidahumana.org/vidafam/aborto/raiz.html

Macaila, Dumitru, The Right to Life: The Eastern Orthodox Christian Perspective on Abortion. Salisbury: Regina Orthodox, 2001.

Mathewes-Green, Frederica, Real Choices: Listening to Women; Looking for Alternatives to Abortion. Ben Lomond: Conciliar Press, 1997.

Pietruszka, Marvin, Cuidados durante el embarazo, la infancia y la niñez. Trans. Yolanda Miranda-Hu. Reseda: Quail Valley, 1991.

"Physical health risks of abortion: scientific studies reveal significant risk." Adapted from information provided by the Elliot Institute,
P.O. Box 7348, Springfield, IL 62791 and updated 1/21/2001.
http://www.w-cpc.org/abortion/physical.html

¿Siente dolor el feto cuando es abortado? Vida Humana. 1986
http://www.vidahumana.org/vidafam/aborto/dolor.html

“Standard Objections by Planned Parenthood Defenders.” Human Life International. 2001
http://www.hli.org/Content/Dynamic/Articles/000/000/000/595mvpu.asp

“What are the different types of abortion?” Human Life International, 2001.
http://www.hli.org/Content/Dynamic/Articles/000/000/000/649efvhx.asp

 

[Photini]

I am a new convert to Orthodoxy from Catholicism.

I just wanted to say WELCOME HOME!

 

[MariaRegina]

I am a new convert to Orthodoxy from Catholicism. I don't believe in any form of contraception whether it be ABC or NFP. I believe in complete openness to life and letting God decide. I do know some Orthodox priests who are against all contraception. I know of others who allow contraception, even the pill. What is the general consensus of Orthodoxy on contraception? Thank you.

Dear Slider:

I forgot to mention,

WELCOME

I agree with you. Before the infamous decision of the Anglican Church in 1930, Orthodoxy did not tolerate artificial contraception. Orthodox were known to have large families just like the Catholics. I just want to remind people that things are changing within the Orthodox Clergy. The devout don't buy into ABC, neither do they really accept NFP. If we observe the fast and use ecological breastfeeding our children and our bodies will be healthy. Praying and observing the fast with the right spirit will lead to our salvation also.

There is a Greek Orthodox priest who is now a great grandparent. He is very concerned about any use of natural or artificial birth control, including NFP. He told his congregation that when using NFP or the condom, one is being very selfish and is preventing God from giving his blessings. God's blessings to us are precious little ones. He said that little ones often lead their parents to Christ because parenting helps humans to learn to be unselfish in their love. This is the best argument against birth regulation that I have ever heard. The married life is a school of sanctity and we are preverting it by our contraception and unwillingness to bear children. Furthermore, we are denying the Church future priests and monks, because most priests, monks and nuns come from large families.

Hope this helps.

Lovingly in Christ our God,
Elizabeth

 

[Slider]

Thank you all for the kind welcomes!

Dear Elizabeth,

I agree with all you write and it is wonderful to know that more Orthodox are eschewing birth control. I believe as the priest you mention that children are a great blessing and can lead us all closer to Christ. I believe raising children does teach us selflessness and more charity. I also view the family as a mini Church and just as we always want to bring more people to the Church, wouldn't we also want to bring more people (children) to our personal mini Churches? After all, if we are more open to life, then the Church will grow.

In Christ,
Anthony

Dear Slider:

I forgot to mention,

WELCOME

I agree with you. Before the infamous decision of the Anglican Church in 1930, Orthodoxy did not tolerate artificial contraception. Orthodox were known to have large families just like the Catholics. I just want to remind people that things are changing within the Orthodox Clergy. The devout don't buy into ABC, neither do they really accept NFP. If we observe the fast and use ecological breastfeeding our children and our bodies will be healthy. Praying and observing the fast with the right spirit will lead to our salvation also.

There is a Greek Orthodox priest who is now a great grandparent. He is very concerned about any use of natural or artificial birth control, including NFP. He told his congregation that when using NFP or the condom, one is being very selfish and is preventing God from giving his blessings. God's blessings to us are precious little ones. He said that little ones often lead their parents to Christ because parenting helps humans to learn to be unselfish in their love. This is the best argument against birth regulation that I have ever heard. The married life is a school of sanctity and we are preverting it by our contraception and unwillingness to bear children. Furthermore, we are denying the Church future priests and monks, because most priests, monks and nuns come from large families.

Hope this helps.

Lovingly in Christ our God,
Elizabeth

 

[Oblio]

After all, if we are more open to life, then the Church will grow.

A sometimes overlooked fact.

Are not Christians in Western Europe on the way to becoming a minority, while the threat of Islam looms large because of the selfish insistance on a small family ?