Unlawful Birth Control Methods

In this section the Pope is essentially stating that abortion and other ways of terminating or preventing pregnancy, such as sterilization, are evil or sinful. He is directly addressing methods such as Plan B in the paragraph "Similarly excluded is any action which either before, at the moment of, or after sexual intercourse is specifically intended to prevent procreation...". He seems to be condemning the use of condoms as well. Overall, these precautions "...contradict the moral order..." and "...must therefore be judged unworthy of man...".

I would say that the Pope's outlook on this subject is rather out-dated and even suppressing. The fact that modern technology has given us multiple options in the area of birth control should be embraced, not frowned upon, in my opinion, that is. The Pope is advocating the removal of a woman's right and free will to prevent a pregnancy, or terminate it if she so chooses. In certain situations, the prevention or termination of pregnancy may be the safest or most beneficial choice a woman has. For instance, if a woman's life was put in jeopardy because of a complicated pregnancy, I believe she should have the option to save herself. A person should be able to make decisions which are in their best interest, without feeling like a sinner. Additionally, if a pregnancy was the result of a rape a woman should have the option to terminate the pregnancy. If financially a couple is not in a place to have a child, they should have options in which to prevent childbirth. By generalizing methods of contraception as immoral, the Pope is overlooking many personal situations in which bringing a baby into the world would not be what is best.

Though Plan B and condoms compared to abortion are vastly different, if a situation arises in which a couple should not bring a child into the world, they should have access to these methods. Couples should be able to make the decision for themselves, as circumstances will differ person-to-person.