New York Times heightens awareness of issues raised by contraceptive use

by Andrew B. Alderson

I was surprised to learn from the cover story of the May 7 New York Times magazine that there is a "war on contraception" going on in America. As someone with a military background, I have some sense for the definition of war and generally it has something to do with two formidable foes fighting – to the death, if necessary – over a disagreement. There has long been disagreement in our culture over contraception, but I must say I feel somewhat honored that the Times actually considers pro-life and pro-family organizations such as the Couple to Couple League to be a formidable foe to those who support the use of contraceptives.

The lengthy article does a good job describing the links between contraceptives and abortion. It also accurately describes the way the pill works, including preventing implantation of a fertilized egg. None of this information would be new to people who support the Couple to Couple League, but I am certain it was new for many of the 1.6 million people who buy the Sunday edition of the New York Times. Writer Russell Shorto mentioned the influence of Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body and he included quotes from articulate opponents of contraceptive use. One is Kimberly Zenarolla of the National Pro-Life Action Center who is quoted saying: "We are opposed to sex before marriage and contraception within marriage. We believe that the sexual act is meant to be a complete giving of self. Of course its purpose is procreation, but the Church also affirms the unitive aspect: it brings couples together. By using contraception, they are not allowing the fullness of their expression of love. To frustrate the procreative potential ends up harming the relationship." Amen!

It is really gratifying to read such a concise articulation of the truth coming from another organization. CCL is not mentioned in the article, but many organizations in addition to the National Pro-Life Action Center which share our concerns are. It is heartening to know that so many people and organizations are willing to look at the issues raised by contraceptive use and are willing to take a stand for the truth.

The Times, however, doesn’t get it all right. It unfortunately equates natural family planning with rhythm. This is a sad mis-communication. Modern NFP is based on a wealth of scientific study, which is getting better all the time. The ability to identify periods of fertility and infertility is undisputed. CCL has taught thousands of couples how to assess their state of fertility and to morally apply the conclusions they draw from their observations.

Shorto concludes by presenting an absolutely false dichotomy: use contraceptives or accept the anxiety of pro-creative helplessness. Again, because he fails to consider modern NFP, he completely misses the solution that CCL couples know so well. Couples can observe natural physical signs, make fundamental interpretations and prayerfully act according to God’s will. It builds healthy marriages and strong families.

Those of us who advocate for NFP may, in fact, be at war, but the opponent is not contraception. The opponent is the Devil himself — the personification of evil and all his empty promises. This is a spiritual war that has been going on since the Garden of Eden; the pill or IUD or other contraceptive device is just another one of Satan’s weapons. Building a culture of life means selflessly fighting that battle with the truth, and NFP is one of the best weapons we have.

Reprinted with permission from the Couple to Couple League and Family Foundations/ visit Web site www.ccli.org by Andrew B. Alderson