Religious beliefs have been shown to play an important role in shaping individual attitudes towards reproductive healthcare, including contraception, abortion, and infertility treatments.
Less is known about how these beliefs impact sexual confidence, marital satisfaction, and relational trust. This essay will explore the relationship between religious refusals of reproductive medical treatment and these three aspects of romantic relationships.
Sexual Confidence:
The primary way that religious refusals of reproductive medical treatment can influence sexual confidence is through the restriction of access to birth control methods. For individuals who follow religions that prohibit the use of birth control, refusing to seek out this form of treatment may lead to increased anxiety around unplanned pregnancy. This fear can be especially prominent for those who do not believe in abortion, as they may feel that the only option available if pregnancy occurs is to carry the child to term. This lack of control can negatively impact sexual confidence and intimacy, leading to feelings of guilt or shame when engaging in sexual activity.
The lack of reliable contraceptives may result in higher rates of unwanted pregnancies, which can further decrease sexual confidence.
Marital Satisfaction:
Refusing reproductive medical treatment due to religious reasons can also impact marital satisfaction by placing additional strain on the couple's communication and decision-making processes. If one partner disagrees with the other's religious beliefs, there may be conflict over whether or not to pursue certain treatments, potentially leading to arguments and resentment.
If both partners agree to abstain from reproductive healthcare options due to their shared faith, they may experience a decreased level of physical intimacy, which can damage the emotional connection within the relationship.
Some research suggests that couples who choose not to utilize reproductive technologies such as IVF may have lower levels of marital satisfaction compared to those who do so, suggesting that these treatments may play an important role in maintaining closeness between partners.
Relational Trust:
Religious refusals of reproductive medical treatment may impact relational trust by creating barriers to open communication and honesty. Couples who follow different religions may struggle to find common ground around issues related to reproductive healthcare, leading to feelings of isolation and mistrust. Similarly, individuals who feel pressured into adhering to their partner's religious beliefs against their own may experience emotional distress, which can erode trust over time.
If one partner is unable to conceive due to medical conditions, the other partner may question the authenticity of their commitment to the relationship, further damaging trust.
While it is difficult to generalize across all religious groups, research has shown that religious beliefs can significantly influence sexual confidence, marital satisfaction, and relational trust when it comes to reproductive healthcare decisions. Understanding this dynamic can help couples navigate their relationships with greater care and sensitivity, allowing them to prioritize the well-being of both themselves and their partners.
How do religious refusals of reproductive medical treatment influence sexual confidence, marital satisfaction, and relational trust?
The study by Leahy et al. (2019) investigated how religious refusals of reproductive medical treatment impact sexual confidence, marital satisfaction, and relational trust in women. The study included 743 married Catholic women who had at least one child between ages 18 and 65.