The Catholic View for Women

Episode 5: Contraception - Not!

Episode Highlights

• Dr. Angela Lanfranchi of the Breast Cancer Prevention Institute and Theologian Dr. Janet Smith of Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit give an overview of the problems with artificial contraception and the history of birth control.

• Dr. Lanfranchi gives details about the connection between cancer and the Pill which was classified as a Group One carcinogen.

• Co-hosts look at Church teaching regarding artificial contraception and the predictions of Pope Paul VI in Humanae Vitae.

• Co-hosts chat about their own journeys in coming to understand what and why the Church teaches regarding artificial contraception.

	The Kitchen Madonna: Patroness of The Catholic View for Women Mary was not only Jesus' Mother, but also a housewife. Her utensils are earthly and heavenly symbols. The key represents the safety in the house and also the way into heaven. The kettle symbolizes nourishment for body and soul. The broom represents cleanliness in the home and in thoughts and deeds. Available from EWTN Religious Catalogue	Magnificat is a lavishly printed, easy-to-read pocket-sized worship aid, of more than 400 pages. Magnificat can be used to follow the daily Mass and can also be read at home for personal or family prayer. Available at Magnificat

	Extreme Makeover by Teresa Tomeo Coming This Fall! Pre-order now! Teresa Tomeo pulls together the latest research on social behavior and trends to demonstrate that women are harming themselves and their chances for true happiness by adopting the thoroughly modern, sexually liberated lifestyle portrayed in magazines and movies. Packed with not only persuasive statistics but also powerful personal testimonies, Extreme Makeover shows that it is not the slogans of the sexual revolution and the women’s liberation movement that free and dignify women, but the beautiful teachings of the Catholic Church.

Consider praying the Divine Office on a daily basis. The Divine Office provides psalms and prayers to be prayed at different times of the day. See www.divineoffice.org.

Discussion Questions

Have you been told by your doctor about the dangers of artificial contraception especially the long list of health problems with the birth control Pill?
Have you been pressured by your doctor to go on the Pill or to put your daughter on the Pill?
Did you know about the four major predictions of Pope Paul VI given in Humanae Vitae/Of Human Life?
What do these predictions tell us about the wisdom of the Church, especially given the current cultural climate today?
What are your thoughts regarding how the Church, in her divine wisdom and working through the Holy Spirit and Pope, was able to stand strong against the push for artificial contraception especially during the turbulent sixties?
Have you sought spiritual direction/confession for past contraceptive practices?
Are you aware that you can attend a Rachel Vineyard’s retreat to deal with your contraceptive grief? www.rachelsvineyard.org. (Janet Morana attended this and found peace and healing)

Additional Resources

www.chastity.com
Contraception Why Not? Dr. Janet Smith www.catholicfamilycatalog.com
Sex Au Natural Patrick Coffin www.patrickcoffin.net
Humanae Vitae Study Guide www.priestsforlife.org/store
Newsflash by Teresa Tomeo www.ewtnreligiouscatalogue.com
Contraception of Grief by Dr Theresa Burke www.priestsforlife.org/store
Abortion and Contraception; Fruits of the Same Tree www.priestsforlife.org/store

Janet's Homework Assignment

Watch Contraception Why Not?
Read Humanae Vitae and use the Priests for Life study guide
Read Teresa’s Book Newsflash
Read Dr. Theresa Burke’s Contraception of Grief

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