Re: OT: ella called a contraceptive, poll

[Guest guest]

that's exactly right. Any name change by itself is inadequate, and must only be the first stage where the folow-up pastoral/educational/health-based approach seeks to succeed in instilling integral self-respect (respect for the true gift of self as a whole without divorce from one's procreative powers). The name must be aimed at a "pre-education" whereby an initial contact seeks to begin to address and remove the serious biases and prejudices against the natural approach found in contraceptors in particular, and arguably in our society in general, at least here in the West (maybe not so much in Africa or more natural cultures, even if these are steadily vanishing from the planet).

(And EBF is vital to this also form many reasons not all mentioned here; among these not the least of which is because it is an integral extension of a woman's powers, going from the procreative to the nurturant)

But as long as the discipline needed is not forgotten by the fertility "coach", there are any number of acceptable teaching philosophies (not to mention methods -- a discussion for another time perhaps). And while it's important never to underestimate the discipline and sacrifice involved, in reality it's really a fear of this difficulty (facing one's own procreative powers squarely and honestly) that so often secretly resides in the heart of our dear brother and sister contraceptors that makes them not only not unaware, but all too acutely aware (and terribly fearful of) this unknown and unfamiliar way of llfe. Fertility is like a big monster or bogey man giving them nightmares, a true ghostly spectre. So part of our jobs is to impart courage, confidence, etc., and I think this is where a fresh name can be a part of this Still, this admits of different styles and philosophies, and no one person should presume to have the answer for everyone.

As a group we seem very aware of the value of morally upright family planning, but perhaps a deeper understanding of, and sympathy with, the mindset and prejudices of the contraceptor and her/his needs, would aid all of us.

Sincerely yours,

Dominic M. Pedulla MD, FACC, CNFPMC, ABVM, ACPh

Interventional Cardiologist, Endovascular Diplomate, Varicose Vein Specialist, Noncontraceptive Family Planning Consultant, Family Planning Researcher

Medical Director, The Oklahoma Vein and Endovascular Center (www.noveinok.com, veininfo@...)

Executive Director, The Edith Stein Foundation (www.theedithsteinfoundation.com)

(office)

(cell)

(FAX)

pedullad@...

"And he departed from our sight that we might return to our heart, and there find Him. For He departed, and behold, He is here."

- St. Augustine

OT: "ella" called a contraceptive, poll

Dear all,

This article "Fueling a new birth control debate...sustained contraception" at

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/11/AR2010061103522.html?hpid=topnews

is full of errors and needs a response. No wonder women are confused! If you go to the main page today at

www.washingtonpost.com there is also a link to a poll on whether Ella should be legal. I guess they mean

without a prescription. Vote!

Also-reading the posts about new names for NFP- I kept thinking how little input you get from the users.

NFP is not a perfect name, but it was a bridge for those of us who once used contraception to begin to

embrace a whole new lifestyle of discipline and responsibility, a whole new awareness of the blessings of

fertility. (Without grace I think that would be impossible, and I think it's a mistake to misrepresent how

difficult a transition it can be, and how much sustained effort and prayer it takes to live it. Now that that

period of my life is over I am convinced it was totally the right thing to do but I have always been puzzled

by those who represented it as easy.)

Gaes

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