In many societies, including Vietnam, Catholicism is one of the most popular religions that has deeply influenced people's lives for centuries. As such, it strongly influences the way they see life, particularly sex, sexuality, and relationships. Despite these principles, many Catholics have been found to use birth control methods like condoms, pills, IUDs, etc., which are considered immoral by their religion. Therefore, this research examines how Catholicism affects the contraceptive behaviors among Vietnamese women and men, what consequences arise from them, and how these individuals negotiate between their religious teachings and personal choices.
The study's objective was to investigate how Catholics perceive the acceptability of using contraception based on their religious beliefs and moral values. It also aimed to understand the various factors that influence their decisions regarding contraceptive use. The researchers collected data through semi-structured interviews from five focus groups of Vietnamese Catholics who had used or not used contraception in the past year. These participants were selected randomly and recruited from churches in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The results showed that there were some similarities and differences in the perceptions of participants, but all agreed that religious teaching is essential in influencing their behavior towards contraception use.
Some Catholic families still choose to have large families despite having limited resources, while others opt for smaller ones due to financial challenges. In addition, other studies conducted in Vietnam show that Catholics prefer using family planning strategies that do not involve the church, leading to an increase in illegitimate birth rates and divorce rates in the country.
It is essential to acknowledge that this topic is sensitive, so people may feel embarrassed talking about it openly. Still, they need education and guidance on proper contraceptive methods to prevent unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
The article suggests that more awareness campaigns should be held among the community to educate people about responsible sexuality and reproductive health. This way, everyone can make informed decisions without feeling guilty about what they think is right or wrong according to religion. Therefore, society needs to encourage free speech, acceptance, and respect for one another's beliefs and values when discussing these issues.
How do Vietnamese Catholics negotiate contraceptive use with religious and moral teachings, and what social consequences arise?
Vietnam is a predominantly Buddhist country where the Catholic religion has gained significant ground during the French colonial era (X). The vast majority of Vietnamese people adhere to traditional family values that emphasize having many children as an indicator of economic prosperity (Y). Despite this, Catholicism promotes the idea of responsible parenthood through the avoidance of sex outside of marriage and the practice of natural family planning methods such as rhythm method or condom usage (Z).