Transcript Biblical Reflections on a Call to Action for Reproductive

Biblical Reflections on a
Call to Action for Reproductive
Health/Family Planning
Christian Connections for International Health
(CCIH) Conference
27th-29th May 2006
Dr. Gloria Ekpo (MD, MPH)
Outline









Definitions
Overview of RH/FP
Burden of Reproductive Health
Historical background on RH
Inter-faith perspectives on RH
Biblical Reflections on RH/FP
Challenges in delivery of RH/FP in FBOs
Call for Action for RH/FP
Recommendation and Conclusion
Objectives



Understand some of the basic concept
and current issues on RH/FP
Review of Biblical evidence for and
against RH/FP
Explore Actions to reinvigorate RH/FP
especially in FBOs
Definition of Reproductive Health
Reproductive Health:
Defined as a state of complete physical, mental
and social well-being and not merely the
absence of disease or infirmity in all matters
relating to the reproductive health system and
to its functions and processes at all stages of
life.
(Spiritual well-being is implied Biblically)
Source: WHO. Reproductive Health Strategy. 2004
Implications






People are able to have a satisfying and safe sex life;
Capability to reproduce;
Freedom to decide if, when, and how often to do so;
Right of men and women to be informed;
Right to have access to safe, effective, affordable and
acceptable methods of family planning of their choice;
Right to appropriate health-care services that enable
women to safely go through pregnancy and childbirth.
Source: WHO. Reproductive Health Strategy. 2004
Definition of Family Planning

Family Planning:


Implies the ability of individuals and couples to
anticipate and attain their desired number of
children and the spacing and timing of their births
through contraceptive methods and treatment of
involuntary infertility.
Family Planning Methods



Natural and Artificial methods
Short-term and Long-term methods
Male and/or Female controlled methods
Source: WHO. Reproductive Health Research. 1994
Overview of RH/FP Services
Core Reproductive and Health Services:
 Improving antenatal, peri-natal, post-partum
and newborn care;
 Providing high quality services for family
planning including fertility services;
 Eliminating unsafe abortion;
 Combating STI, including HIV, RTI, Cervical
Cancer and other gynecologic morbidity;
 Promoting sexual health
Burden of Reproductive Health




Maternal deaths: 529,000 die yearly
Child mortality: 10.6 million
More than 120 million couples (in developing
countries) have unmet need for safe and
effective contraception
About 80 million women every year have
unintended and unwanted pregnancy, some
from contraceptive failure
Source: WHO. Reproductive Health Strategy. 2004. World Health Report 2005
Historical Background on RH/FP
Before 1930



1930- Lambeth Conference, England



Christian denomination united in firm rejection of
contraceptives
Departure from unanimous prohibition against contraception
Use of artificial contraception advocated when abstinence was
deemed impracticable
After 1930


1961:Liberal policy on contraception declared by National
Council of Churches;
Subject to mutual consent between couples
Source: Kathleen O’Grady. Contraception and Religion. Encyclopedia of women and world religion.
1999
Inter-faith Perspectives on RH/FP
No uniform position on contraception within each of
the religious traditions.
Roman Catholic Church





1930: Casi Connubii- Pope Pius XI.
1968: Humanae vitae – Pope Paul VI
Sanctions Abstinence and Natural Family Planning Methods
Orthodox Churches


Allows married couples to make their own decisions on
contraception
Condemns abortion, infanticide and permanent
contraception.
Source:
Kathleen O’Grady. Contraception and Religion. Encyclopedia of women and world religion. 1999
Inter-faith Perspectives on RH/FP 2

Jewish Religion


Islamic Faith




Accepts abstinence as the only permissible birth control
method except where health reasons apply.
Variation on attitudes to contraception
Traditionally permits the use of birth control on health
grounds
Unanimous rejection of sterilization and abortion
Hinduism


Encourages prolific procreation within marriage
No prohibition against birth control
Source:
Kathleen O’Grady. Contraception and Religion. Encyclopedia of women and world religion. 1999
Inter-faith Perspectives on RH/FP 3

Common Concerns by major religions on
birth control



Fear that contraceptive use will encourage
immorality and illicit sex
Liberal contraceptive policies may encourage
model of living that would destroy family and
family values
Feminist

View prohibition on birth control as a means to
control female sexuality and independence
Reflections from the Bible on RH/FP

Fertility




Contraception



Onan’s experience: Gen 38:6-10
“Subdue the earth …. And have Dominion over….”Gen 1:27
Infertility:




“Be Fruitful, Multiply and Replenish” Gen. 1: 27-28
Rachael, Leah and Mandrakes: Gen 30:14-16
Children as Heritage: Psalms 127:3
Rachael- Gen 30:1;
Hannah-1 Sam 1: 1-8
Elizabeth- Luke 1:36
Abortion and Infanticide: Exodus1:16, 21:22, 23:26
Reflections from the Bible on RH/FP 2

Abuse of Reproductive Health




Rape- Dinah and Tamar- Gen 34:1-2; 2 Sam 13:120
Wife Inheritance: Gen 38:6-10
Adultery: Exodus 20:14; John 8:10-11
Homosexuality: Gen. 19:5; Romans 1:23-29
Challenges in the delivery of RH/FP services

Barriers:







Gender Inequalities-Nutrition, healthcare, education
Violence against women-physical, sexual, emotional
Access to health services
Lack of youth friendly reproductive health services
Poverty
Cultural barriers
Religious barriers
Call for Action: Role of FBO in
Reinvigorating RH/FP





Encourage dialogue and communication;
Active involvement of men in reproductive
health issues;
Involvement of youths RH issues
Provide information for informed choice on RH
matters;
Reduction/elimination of man-made barriers to
access to reproductive healthcare;
Call for Action for RH/FP…2





Advocacy Action on reproductive health
matters;
Operational Research on RH services delivery;
“Throwing the First Stone” concept versus “No
condemnation ” strategy. John 8:10-11
Respect for dignity for the human life;
Education and improvement of status of the
woman.
Recommendation





Engage the Church on regular dialogue
on RH;
Encourage Family-centered reproductive
healthcare services;
Engage and address youth RH needs
Advocate for holistic and comprehensive
RH care;
Involve women in decision-making
process in RH.
Conclusion
Holistic approach to RH/FP within Biblical
context is feasible.
THANK YOU