Does contraception change you?

“Responsible men can become more deeply convinced of the truth of the doctrine laid down by the Church on this issue if they reflect on the consequences of methods and plans for artificial birth control. Let them first consider how easily this course of action could open wide the way for marital infidelity and a general lowering of moral standards. Not much experience is needed to be fully aware of human weakness and to understand that human beings—and especially the young, who are so exposed to temptation—need incentives to keep the moral law, and it is an evil thing to make it easy for them to break that law. Another effect that gives cause for alarm is that a man who grows accustomed to the use of contraceptive methods may forget the reverence due to a woman, and, disregarding her physical and emotional equilibrium, reduce her to being a mere instrument for the satisfaction of his own desires, no longer considering her as his partner whom he should surround with care and affection.”

In Pope John Paul’s quote under Consequences of Artificial Methods paragraph 17, it can be read that irresponsible men use contraception and through this praxis lower their standards as well as respect for women. This in turn can ruin relationships, marriages and families. Sex is no longer something that is monogamous between two partners but practiced irresponsibly with many. This quote ultimately insinuates that men who use contraception are more inclined to infidelity. Although some would say that this is true, it is a bit extreme to say that all men who use contraception are going to cheat on their wives and become irreverent of women. On that same note even those who consider themselves religious find a way to overcome this and use contraception. Just as Susan Bordo said we are docile bodies in that we willingly take part in something such as contraception even though it may go against some of our beliefs.

As far as the difference in the way men act when using contraception rather than without I agree with the Pope on this one. Just as we mentioned in class about women and how they are different on the pill, men change too. Without the fear of reproduction the idea of having multiple partners seems to be more appealing since there is less risk involved. Even women are having more sex out of wedlock with contraception, making it a less sacred act. Think of it from Leppert’s claim that women look at themselves being looked at while men do the looking. Through contraception this can be practiced even more because women will spend more time being concerned about how they are perceived in hopes that they can take part in carefree sexual activity now that conception is not likely. Granted the Pope makes valid points about the negative effects that can and have come with contraception I still believe that contraception can and should be used if the two people involved either do not want or are not ready for a child.