In many cultures, marriage is viewed as an institution that requires strict adherence to certain values, including abstinence before marriage and chastity within it.
The Philippines has historically been known for its conservative approach towards sexuality, especially among married couples who are expected to have large families. As such, there exists a tension between traditional cultural norms and modern attitudes toward contraceptive methods. While some may view birth control as a way to plan their family size and spacing, others may see it as going against religious teachings. This essay will explore how religious beliefs on contraception shape married couples' sexual choices, intimacy, and perceptions of moral responsibility in the Philippines.
Religious Teachings on Contraception
The Catholic Church, which represents the majority of Filipinos, views contraception as morally unacceptable and encourages natural methods of family planning such as abstinence or rhythm method. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, "every action which, whether in anticipation of the conjugal act, or in its accomplishment, or in the development of its natural consequences, proposes, whether as an end or means, to render procreation impossible" is intrinsically evil (Catechism, 2370). The same document also states that artificial contraception is immoral because it "offends the natural generosity of man," "diminishes the sense of fertility," and "is contrary to the inclination of nature" (Catechism, 2391-2396).
For Muslims, Islamic law, or Shariah, prohibits all forms of birth control except for coitus interruptus, also known as withdrawal. The Quran states that human beings should not prevent Allah from giving them children, but that if they cannot afford them, they can practice delayed marriage until they are financially stable enough to do so (Quran 4:20-23).
Impact on Married Couples' Sexual Choices
Despite these teachings, many married couples in the Philippines still use various forms of contraception, either discreetly or openly.
There is often a stigma associated with using contraceptives, especially among those who follow religious norms strictly. Some may view contraception as sinful, while others may fear societal judgment for being perceived as promiscuous or irresponsible. This can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and anxiety when discussing family planning options with their spouse.
The Catholic Church has been criticized for its strict stance on contraception, particularly regarding how it affects women's health and reproductive rights. Critics argue that contraception empowers women to make decisions about their own bodies and families, allowing them greater autonomy over their lives. They also point out that the church's stance on contraception contradicts its position on other issues such as abortion, which is considered morally wrong even to save the life of the mother.
Some conservative groups believe that natural methods of family planning are more aligned with God's will and encourage abstinence outside of fertile periods. They see artificial birth control as an assault on nature and a rejection of procreation.
Impact on Intimacy
For married couples who do not use any form of contraception, sexual intimacy can be highly stressful due to fear of unintended pregnancies. Women may feel pressure to avoid certain sexual positions or activities, which can negatively impact their enjoyment of sex. Men may feel they cannot fully express themselves in bed without risking conception, leading to frustration and resentment. This can strain relationships and cause tension between partners.
Some couples may choose to practice withdrawal as a form of birth control, but this method is not always reliable and can still result in unwanted pregnancy. In addition, there is a risk of transmitting STIs through semen exposure during intercourse. Other couples may opt for rhythm method, which involves tracking ovulation cycles and abstaining from sex during fertile times.
This requires strict discipline and can be challenging to maintain consistently.
Perceptions of Moral Responsibility
The Catholic Church teaches that married couples have a moral responsibility to have children if they can support them financially and emotionally. Therefore, those who choose not to have children may be seen as selfish or irresponsible by some members of the community. On the other hand, Muslims believe that each child is a blessing from Allah and should be welcomed with joy and gratitude. They view family planning as a personal matter and encourage couples to make choices based on their circumstances and beliefs.
Using birth control methods can create feelings of guilt and shame among some individuals. Those who do not follow religious norms may feel guilty about going against their faith's teachings, while others may struggle with conflicting emotions over whether contraceptive use aligns with their values. Some may even question their own morality and spirituality due to these decisions.
Religious beliefs on contraception shape Filipino married couples' sexual choices, intimacy, and perceptions of moral responsibility. While there are different interpretations of religious teachings on this topic, many couples still face stigma and judgment for choosing to use birth control. These attitudes can lead to tension in relationships and strain communication between partners, making it difficult to discuss family planning options openly and honestly.
It is up to each couple to decide what works best for them based on their individual needs and values.
How do religious beliefs on contraception in the Philippines shape married couples' sexual choices, intimacy, and perceptions of moral responsibility?
The religious beliefs on contraception in the Philippines have profoundly influenced how married couples make decisions about their sexuality. Religious teachings often condemn premarital sex as sinful and view birth control as morally reprehensible because it prevents procreation, which is considered sacred. As a result, many married couples in the Philippines avoid using any form of contraceptives and rely solely on abstinence as their primary method of birth control.