How does Catholicism view sexual intercourse?
Catholicism teaches that sex is sacred and holy within marriage between a man and woman. Catholicism also forbids contraceptive devices such as condoms, birth control pills, diaphragms, IUDs, spermicides, sterilization procedures, and abortion. For centuries, this has been a difficult teaching for many people to follow, including many Vietnamese Catholics today. Why?
Vietnamese culture values large families
For generations, Vietnamese people have valued having children. They are proud of their ancestry and lineage. In ancient times, a family without male heirs was often deemed worthless. Today, it is still desirable to have sons who can carry on the family name, and daughters are considered valuable too. Many Vietnamese families want one son and one daughter, or three sons and one daughter. The preference for boys led to many unwanted pregnancies among couples wanting a boy, which they hoped would be their last child. So, when did Vietnamese couples start using birth control?
Contraception in modern Vietnam
The introduction of birth control in Vietnam began during French colonization, around 1850. It was first available by prescription from doctors and pharmacies, but later became more widely used after World War II. By the late 20th century, the government encouraged smaller families because of overpopulation concerns. Birth control and other family planning measures were promoted through public education campaigns. Despite these efforts, some rural areas still struggle with high fertility rates and poverty. Even though birth control is generally accepted now, many Catholic couples may hesitate to use it due to religious beliefs.
Most Vietnamese Catholics attend church regularly and believe that God created sex only for procreation. Contraceptives prevent conception, so they see them as unnatural and immoral. Some even say contraception promotes promiscuity and undermines marriage. Others admit that sex outside of marriage is wrong, but accept contraception as a necessary evil. Still others say they abstain completely while trying to conceive, then wait until their partner's next period before resuming intercourse. There are also couples who decide not to have children at all, but this is rare.
Catholicism vs sexual health
Many young people today don't follow traditional gender roles or expectations about marriage and parenting. They delay marriage, cohabit beforehand, and avoid pregnancy until ready. Older generations often disapprove of this behavior. Catholic teachings on sex emphasize chastity and fidelity within marriage, which can be difficult to achieve in modern society. Couples may feel pressured into having babies when they aren't emotionally or financially prepared. The choice between religion and sexual freedom remains complicated for many Vietnamese Catholics.
How do Vietnamese Catholics reconcile contraception with religious moral imperatives and lived sexual experience?
Vietnamese Catholics have been struggling for decades over how to reconcile their faith's prohibition against premarital sex, divorce, abortion, and contraception with changing attitudes towards these issues in society at large.