February 13, 2012

The Dangers of Facebook Politics

So, I read this article today and felt so strongly about it that I posted it on Facebook. I included a comment about how BCPs aren't just for contraception and I believe they should be made available to all women who want/need them.

Boy did I start something. First there were just a few "like"s and a "here here!" from my sister. Then the church members started weighing in.... then the church members in support of it shot back. Volley after volley, back and forth. I've had more traffic and more comments on that article post than I've ever had on my Facebook page in the history of my profile!

I didn't know about the public debate taking place on my Facebook page until this evening. I carefully read through every comment, mulled everything over, and made a final comment of my own, upholding my original opinion and briefly addressing the main argument of those who disagreed with me. Now, I'm not catholic, but I am a fairly conservative Christian - Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. And I don't mean to pick on the catholic church. The thing is, I would feel the way I do if it was my own church who was denying BCPs (actually, Concordia Health Care does deny BCPs, to my knowledge). Its just plain irresponsible for *any* employer to deny such a *basic* medical health need for women.

I hope I haven't offended anyone, but these things rarely get me so riled up that I want to speak out online about it. I understand that other people 100% support the catholic church's decision, and you are totally entitled to your opinion. I don't think this is a good and evil battle or anything. And if anyone wants to discuss/debate, then I welcome the cerebral engagement :-)

7 comments:

  1. BC help can women with PCOS so that they aren't so cysty when it comes time for them to have babies! In that case BC actually (indirectly) helps women get pregnant!

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    1. That's a really good point. Some people were commenting that the catholic church does allow the use of BCPs for non-contraceptive reasons. But the reality is they make you jump through so many hoops that you feel like a criminal for wanting something so essential to leading a normal life!

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  2. I heard a great debate on this topic on NPR the other day. Its sad that some of us are put on the defensive because of our reproductive status. I don't believe contraception or conception should be a political issue. I've lost a few friendships over the IVF debate over the last year. I respect they don't agree with it, I just wish they respected that I do.

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    1. You listen to NPR, too? Next to The Daily Show and the Colbert Report, NPR is my favorite way of keeping up with current events! I agree, its a shame when friends must part ways because of disagreements over women's health treatments. On my FB post, I stressed that we can certainly all agree to disagree at the end of the day

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    2. Oh honey- Jon Stewart is my hero! I think you and I, we'd be great friends in real life :)

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  3. I never understand those who try to limit other people's lives because they don't believe in it. I'm all for letting people have their own beliefs. If you don't think BCP is right, don't use it. But don't tell me I can't.

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