Unlawful Birth Control Methods para. 14

In paragraph 14 of Humanae Vitae, Pope Paul VI claims that all forms of birth control are a, "direct interruption of the generative process". In other words, he is saying that whether you are on the patch, taking the pill, using condoms, or otherwise preventing the natural path of pregnancy, your actions are to be condemned. The Pope then adds, “above all, all direct abortion, even for therapeutic reasons, are to be absolutely excluded as lawful means of regulating the number of children”. He uses this word, “lawful” as a sort of power word in an attempt to exhibit his power and authority. I think it is interesting paying particular attention on the language when reading through the few paragraphs regarding abortion. He tends to use a lot of these power words, such as, “condemn”, “judged unworthy of man”, “magisterium of the Church”, “consequently”, “greater evil”, “intrinsically wrong”. Everything is overdramatized and seems to be punishable by death by the way he speaks. Regarding abortion he continues to “condemn” birth control by saying that, “excluded is any action which either before, at the moment of, or after sexual intercourse, is specifically intended to prevent procreation--whether as an end or means”. The way he makes his statements are used in such a way that readers can not even question what is said. There is no leeway and there is no thinking about what you really think is right or wrong. A few examples of this are when The Pope says, “Neither is it valid to argue...”, “Equally to be condemned...”, “Similarly excluded...”. These sentence starters are used very carefully in order to persuade and coerce readers that what is said, is what is right.

In terms of abortion, I am 100% pro-choice. I believe that no one has the right to tell me what I can and can not do with my body. In my opinion, The Pope is extremely influential and powerful to his followers. He does a great job writing and speaking in just a way that people believe in what he is saying. Although I commend him for his power over these people, I hope that no matter what religion or cultural group you belong to, you always have a mind of your own. I believe this because there can be serious consequences to situations where people begin to play “follow the leader” when they end up not even know why they are following them in the first place. I mean, we have all heard about the Salem witch trials, and the good ol’ Guillotine! Things did not work out so well for them when one person began to believe one thing after another, and things got out of control. Not that I think The Church has plans to go out killing people (again) who are wronging The Church or anything, but having so many people mindlessly follow one person can be very dangerous. If The Pope says that abortion is to be condemned, then I guess he is right, and that is that. Oh wait...why is that that? Hm...docile bodies much? It is easy to fall into this when you no longer have to worry about thinking for yourself because you have a higher power who obviously knows more than you, telling you what is right and what is wrong. Easy life right? Well I think it is good no matter where you live, or what social constructions you have grown to have and create, you should always be allowed and able to think for yourself.