The Complexities of Being a Pro-Choice Catholic: How Religion and Politics Collide

12 Pages·2017·0.37 MB·English

Dissenting Voices
Volume 6|Issue 1
9-7-2017
The Complexities of Being a Pro-Choice Catholic:
How Religion and Politics Collide
Alise Tallents
[email protected]
Repository Citation
Tallents, Alise (2017) "The Complexities of Being a Pro-Choice Catholic: How Religion and Politics Collide,"Dissenting Voices: Vol. 6 :
Iss. 1 , Article 7.
Available at: http://digitalcommons.brockport.edu/dissentingvoices/vol6/iss1/7
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ALISE J. TALLENTS The College at Brockport, State University of New York
The Complexities of Being a
Pro-Choice Catholic:
How Religion and Politics Collide
The separation of church and state has been indicated in the United States Constitution since the
ratification of the Bill of Rights in 1791. Ideally, this was intended to ensure that no one religion would
receive privilege over another in the political arena, and that citizens have the freedom to practice their
own faith without fear of persecution. In contemporary United States, religion has become a powerful
influence in modern day politics and the line distinguishing church from state has become hazy. This is
especially prevalent in the realm of reproductive rights. The fight for access to reproductive healthcare,
such as contraception and safe, legal abortions, become more combative, as proven by the “pro-life” vs.
“pro-choice” dichotomy. The implication that being pro-choice means you do not believe in the sanctity of
life, while being pro-life means that you do not believe women should have control of their own bodies,
increasingly alienates more and more people who are able to see the complexities surrounding abortion.
Unfortunately, it is not just United States citizens that are affected by changes in policies surrounding
family planning; it is also women in developing countries who have even less access to these services than
we do. This paper addresses the complexities that come with the Catholic Church participating in
politics, in addition to examining the way Catholicism and conflicting ideologies surrounding female
reproductive health affect the United States and other cultures worldwide.
Dissenting Voices, v. 6, Spring 2017 49
Personal Experience punish someone experiencing that level
of pain. My teacher made it clear that
I was raised Roman Catholic, attended
this is what Catholicism preaches;
Sunday school every week for a decade,
therefore, this is what I was expected to
and was confirmed in April, 2011. I still
believe. I began to wonder where I fit
consider myself a practicing Catholic
into a faith that did not seem to be
and try to attend mass every week. I
open to understanding varying degrees
struggled with my faith for a long time
of mental health on an individual level.
in high school and early years of
While my increasing frustration with
college. The conflict began in my
church school leaders is what started
seventh or eighth year of Sunday school
my struggle with Catholicism, it was not
when the church I originally attended
what caused my ultimate conflict. It is
had to shut down, prompting many
no secret that the Catholic Church takes
families in our congregation including
one of the most aggressive stances
mine, to start attending a different
against access to artificial birth control
Catholic church in our town. For the
and abortion. As I began to identify as
first time, I began to butt heads with
pro-choice, I felt I needed to step away
some of my Sunday school teachers and
from my faith. The Catholic doctrine
feel increasingly frustrated with the way
makes it clear that contraception and
the faith was being presented to me. My
abortion are unacceptable, despite the
first recollection of “rebelling” against
fact that the Bible does not directly
my faith was arguing with one of my
prohibit either (Blackburn, 2011). In the
Sunday school teachers about whether
New Testament, Jesus introduces the
people who commit suicide go to Hell.
Law of Love and says, “There is no
She very adamantly asserted that while
commandment greater than these”
tragic, it was a selfish act and taking a
(Mark 12: 31). It states, “Love the Lord
life is the ultimate sin. I expressed that I
your God with all your heart and with
felt like she did not seem to really
all your soul and with all your mind and
understand the complexities of what
with all your strength. The second is
she was stating or how isolating
this: Love your neighbor as yourself”
depression can be, even for the most
(Mark 12: 30-31). The basis of the
devout of Catholics. The class ended
Catholic faith is rooted in these words,
without either of us budging on our
and beyond it, the Bible is written to
positions, and it left me feeling
allow for growth within a changing
incredibly confused and lost. The God I
society, something that has allowed it to
felt I knew and loved could never
Dissenting Voices, v. 6, Spring 2017 50
be as influential today as when it was certain authority figures in the church,
written. Unfortunately, many current and the way it is forced upon people
religious leaders do not interpret the who have no ties to the Catholic
flexibility of the Bible in this way. This Church. Daniel C. Maguire (2001), a
was not always the case. Saint former Catholic priest and current
Antoninus, archbishop of Florence in ethics professor at Marquette
the fifteenth century, openly defended University, has been a longtime activist
the use of early abortion in for women’s reproductive rights. In his
circumstances where the mother’s life book about abortion and religion, he
was in danger (Maguire, 2001). Pope touches on the complexities that come
Adrian VI canonized him in 1523. This with Catholicism in politics:
shows that there is no one Catholic For one thing, the Catholic Church is the
view on abortion; there have always only world religion with a seat in the
been degrees of variation (The Editors United Nations. From that seat, the
of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2009). Vatican has been active in promoting the
One can practice faith and still most restrictive Catholic view on family
planning, although more liberating
recognize the complexities of
Catholic views exist (p. 31).
reproductive justice. It is in trying to
By participating in the United
stay true to both sides of one’s identity
Nations, the Church is not only saying
where we find blurred lines.
that there is only one correct Catholic
The women in my life guided and
way to view reproductive rights, but
influenced my faith greatly. I know
also pushing to restrict others’ access to
several strong, intelligent, Catholic
family planning. I would argue that
women for whom I have immeasurable
many people with no ties to the
amounts of love and respect. I
congregation feel the influence and
understand why some feel issues such
pressure of Catholic views on
as abortion are undeniably wrong,
reproductive health and sexuality.
because I once felt this way too. That
In the past few years, I have been able
said, these women allowed me to create
to come back to my faith, finding ways
my own opinion, and while we may not
to balance my liberal beliefs with the
see eye-to-eye, we still feel connected in
scripture. I now realize the core of
faith. This made it clear to me that it is
Catholicism and teachings of the Bible
not the conservative views of
do not have to be at odds with the
reproductive health that I struggle with,
political and social beliefs I hold. That
but the way it was thrust upon me by
Dissenting Voices, v. 6, Spring 2017 51
being said, it does not come without without taking into account new
internal conflict, as I know that my knowledge” (p. 49). Needless to say, the
Church is still immensely conservative. Catholic Church was not one of them.
While I love the basic values and beliefs As early as the 1960s, the Pope
of the Church, I grow increasingly more announced that artificial contraception
impatient with its political influences. for any reason was “intrinsically evil”
As Catholics, our morals and beliefs are (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1993,
shaped with substantial influence from para. 2366-2372). Because of the
our own faith, something that could be emphasis on authority and tradition in
said of someone from any religion or Catholic faith, no prominent religious
perhaps, a lack thereof. How can we leader since then has reversed their
spread God’s message of love, stance on contraception, despite an
kindness, and acceptance if we are open and avid desire from many
simultaneously condemning thousands Catholics to do so (Ruether, 2006). In
of people for believing something fact, only about 15% of Catholics in the
different? United States have stated that they
believe the use of contraception is
About Catholicism
morally wrong (Ruether, 2006). Despite
Catholicism is a branch of Christianity
this, conservative Catholics have led the
deeply rooted in tradition with a
crusade against contraception and those
tendency to fight against changing
who support it for decades.
society instead of embracing it. Not all
Perhaps the most controversial
Christian denominations struggle quite
argument surrounding reproductive
as much with change. The United
freedoms is abortion rights. Some
Presbyterian Church and the American
denominations of Christianity, such as
Baptist Convention came out in
the Episcopal and Presbyterian
support of birth control in the late
churches, allow it in circumstances of
1950s (Goldberg, 2010). According to
incest, rape, or if the mothers’ life is in
Goldberg (2010), several other
danger (Liu, 2013). The Catholic
prominent denominations also came
Church is known to offer none of these
together to acknowledge their
exceptions and openly denounces
shortcomings when it came to
abortion for any reason (Liu, 2013).
contraception: “Christian thought has,
According to the Church, women
especially in the area of the family and
should not only abstain from using
its relationships, often clung to tradition
artificial birth control, but they should
Dissenting Voices, v. 6, Spring 2017 52
also under no circumstances terminate There are a few groups who identify
an unwanted pregnancy (Catechism of the as Catholic and support women’s
Catholic Church, 1993, para. 2373-2379).5 reproductive freedoms, such as
Lacking from this conversation is the Catholics for Choice (CFC). In their
idea that most women seeking mission statement they say, “We are
abortions actually take into account part of the great majority who believes
their morals and beliefs and still feel that Catholic teachings on conscience
that abortion is their only option. Ann mean that every individual must follow
Furedi (2016) lays this out very simply his or her own conscience – and respect
in her book, The Moral Case for Abortion, others’ right to do the same” (Catholics
stating, “That abortion can be a for Choice, n.d., para.1). CFC does not
woman’s moral preference and the pretend to speak for the Vatican, but
outcome of a personal and private instead, shows there can be diversity in
choice, which she should be free to the way Catholics view issues such as
make for herself, is rarely considered reproductive freedoms, abortion,
and even more rarely stated” (p.6). If sexuality, etc. The Administrative
we truly want to eradicate abortion, the Committee of the National Conference
first step is looking at the ways society of Catholic Bishops (NCCB) has openly
approaches sex and motherhood. denounced this group and what they
Catholics are taught not to judge, but stand for (Quindlen, 1993). They made
rather, to help and show kindness to it clear they do not believe CFC can be
others, something it seems is often considered “an authentic Catholic
forgotten when religion is brought into organization” and continue on in their
the political arena. Rickie Solinger’s statement to say, “In fact, the group’s
(2013), Reproductive Politics: What Everyone activity is directed to rejection and
Needs to Know, devotes an entire chapter distortion of Catholic teaching about
to discussing the intersections of the respect and protection due to
religion and reproduction with a defenseless unborn human life” (United
chapter section that focuses solely on States Conference of Catholic Bishops,
the Catechism. 2000). Simply put, the NCCB believes
that because the CFC identifies as pro-
choice, they cannot possibly call
themselves Catholic. Apart from being
5 See also This is the Faith: A Complete
an intolerant response, it shows that the
Explanation of the Catholic Faith (2002) by
hierarchy of the Catholic Church is
Canon Francis Ripley.
Dissenting Voices, v. 6, Spring 2017 53
unwilling to allow outspoken violence exist everywhere, but political
differences of opinion when it comes to correctness or condescending
abortion. It is also prudent to note that romanticism about exotic others should
not obscure the fact that women in the
women are not allowed to become
third world often have it much, much
bishops or priests, therefore, the group
worse (p. 9).
condemning this behavior is made up
As a privileged woman living in the
exclusively of men.
Unites States, I have the freedom to
A Global Perspective
express a difference of opinion from
Religion plays an influential role all my faith, without worry of serious
around the world. The Catholic faith in retribution. However, in 2006, the
particular is practiced in all corners of Catholic Bishops Conference of the
the globe. Because of cultural Philippines decided they would
differences, the ways that religion and withhold sacraments (baptisms,
politics interact can be different from communions, confirmations, weddings
how the two intersect here in the and last rights) from anyone who used
United States. In many ways, even with or supported contraception (Ruether,
the disparities of abortion access and 2006). This is not an isolated incident;
regulation on a state to state-wide6 level most Catholic hospitals globally are not
in the U.S., an argument can be made allowed to carry emergency
that many American women still have contraception. In developing countries,
opportunities to decide for themselves this is an alarming issue because the
what they believe is best for their own Catholic hospital could likely be the
bodies. Unfortunately, this is just not only hospital in the area (Ruether,
the case around the world. Goldberg 2006). As Goldberg (2010) said,
(2010) emphasizes: “Overwhelming abuse and devaluation
of women, especially in poor countries,
For people living in the world’s richest
developed countries, it can be hard to is the biggest human rights crisis in the
grasp just how terribly women are treated world today” (p.11). Instead of religion
in much of the world. Sexism and liberating and supporting women, it is
inadvertently oppressing them and their
6 For more information on women’s agency.
access to reproductive health services When it comes to rape victims, the
across the United States and globally, see Church is no less forceful in their
The Guttmacher Institute,
stance against abortion. In Nicaragua, a
https://www.guttmacher.org
Dissenting Voices, v. 6, Spring 2017 54
nine-year-old girl, Rosita, was raped and abortion in order to save a pregnant
impregnated by her stepfather woman’s life. The story was brought to
(Goldberg, 2010). The Catholic Church Father Bernard Haring, a Redemptorist
was very much involved in trying to Moral Theologian, after a priest told the
ensure she did not receive an abortion, doctor that he made the wrong choice.
taking up the argument that this baby Father Haring disagreed with the doctor
was a blessing from heaven (Goldberg, on the stance that both the fetus and
2010). This is an opinion often the mother would have died had the
vocalized by the Catholic Church to surgery not been performed. Maguire
counter the argument that abortion is (2009) wrote, “Fr. Haring asked: by
allowed in cases of rape. Rosita’s case what thinking could the fetus have such
was no different. The Catechism of the a right to life that it could kill both itself
Catholic Church states, “Human life is and the woman by exercising it? Such
sacred” (para. 2258), but by putting an rights, he said, do not exist” (para.12).
emphasis on the life of the fetus over By insinuating that the life of the fetus
the life of Rosita, what are we saying is more important than that of the
about Rosita’s life? Is the life of a nine- woman, we are diminishing her worth.
year-old girl less sacred than that of her Women are not just incubators for
fetus? Does it truly matter that she can creating children; they are living,
physically carry a healthy child to term breathing humans. Susan Bordo’s
if it comes as a steep cost to her (2003) work looks at how defining
emotional wellbeing? In addition to all women by their reproductive capacity
of this, the conversation was almost can negate their contributions to society
entirely focused around her potential beyond reproduction. Yes, with
abortion, rather than outrage at the pregnancy comes responsibility, but it
abuse she had experienced. As a should not be at the expense of a
Catholic, I do not believe we can boast woman’s life.
about valuing life while simultaneously
Religion in U.S. Politics
showing a disregard for the lives of
Despite efforts from conservative
women who may choose to have an
Catholics, not all Catholic politician’s
abortion.
platforms adhere to the Church’s
Maguire (2009) discusses another
teachings. Democratic politicians such
example similar to the story of Rosita,
as Nancy Pelosi and Joe Biden are both
telling the story of a Catholic doctor
open about their Catholic faith and the
who had to perform an emergency
Dissenting Voices, v. 6, Spring 2017 55
fact that they support access to Catholics who support the right to
contraception and access to safe and choice are simply saying yes, abortion is
legal abortions. Biden has stated that he tragic, but it is also more complicated
does believe life starts at conception; than the “pro-life” vs. “pro-choice”
however, he doesn’t believe he has the dichotomy. Jeannie Ludlow’s (2008)
right to impose that view on someone article “Sometimes It’s a Child and a
else. This is a noteworthy example of Choice: Toward an Embodied Abortion
how faith can shape your morals and Praxis,” focuses on how neither side of
values for your own life without the abortion argument acknowledges
hindering the recognition of alternative the concerns of the other. Ludlow
faiths and belief systems unique to (2008) points out that while, “…much
different social and religious groups feminist discourse around abortion
(Berenson, 2015). Pelosi received emphasized its benefits to the exclusion
abundant backlash from several bishops of its complexities,” adversely, there
after stating in an interview that in should be “…consideration of both
traditional Catholic teaching, life begins fetus and woman, not fetus at the
at three or four months of pregnancy expense of woman” (p. 30). The labels
rather than the time of conception. “pro-life” and “pro-choice” limit the
Maguire (2009) supported Pelosi, conversation surrounding abortion,
explaining that even God allowed some creating a “them vs. us” atmosphere.
“evils” in cases where greater evils This only leads to furthering the battle
would arise as a result. He articulates lines between the two and leaving many
this well saying: people unsure where they stand. In
Today a Catholic legislator who thinks all overlooking the complexities of
abortions are evil could still vote to abortion, not only are we preventing
sustain its legality since banning legal important conversations, but we are
abortion leads to illegal abortions with a failing women.
high loss of life, especially for poor This conversation is not limited to
women. History proves that criminalizing
democratic political leaders. Republican
abortion does not decrease the number
and Catholic George Pataki, who served
of abortion but does increase morbidity
as Governor of New York, was pro-
and mortality. (Maguire, 2009, para.4)
capital punishment and pro-choice, two
Reducing abortion to a question on
issues the Catholic Church strongly
when life begins is reducing the
opposes. In 2013 there were six
conversation entirely.
Catholic judges on the Supreme Court:
Dissenting Voices, v. 6, Spring 2017 56
John Roberts, Samuel Alito, Anthony someone close to me recently laid it out
Kennedy, Antonin Scalia, Sonia very simply. She said, “The Church’s
Sotomayor and Clarence Thomas position in the case of refugees or the
(Berenson, 2015). Two years later in poor is about dignity, but in the case of
2015, the court ruled 5-4 that same-sex abortion is about preserving ‘life’ even
marriage is legal in every state, at the expense of a women’s dignity. It
something the Catholic Church has strips women – never men – of their
advocated against. Justices Kennedy ability to exercise moral judgment” (S.
and Sotomayor both fell in the majority, Smith7, personal communication, April
showing that religion does not always 24, 2017). It is as if we do not trust
dictate political decision (Berman, women to know what is best for
2015). Social and political views are themselves or their fetus. This need to
personal to everyone; it is possible to control women’s fertility feels like a
maintain your faith while also desire to control women themselves,
supporting issues such as same-sex without regard for their dignity or
marriage or a woman’s right to her needs.
reproductive health. There is not one “Catholic view” on
contraception and abortion; it varies
Conclusion
from person to person. Many Catholics
I do not want to pretend to have all
support individual choice and many do
answers; reproductive issues such as
not. Neither point of view makes the
abortion are incredibly complex. There
other a bad Catholic. This is obvious in
is no black and white solution to this.
my life when it comes to all the women
In a way, it is easy for me to assert that
who have supported me in my faith.
the Church should not be participating
Our opinions on issues of reproductive
politically, but what about all the good
nature vary from liberal to conservative,
that they do alongside this? They
but the love and respect for each other
advocate for the poor and homeless and
remains. We are all Catholic and
for peace instead of war. This care and
connected by essence of our faith; to
compassion for the struggling is part of
love and show kindness to others.
the core of Catholic faith. So why is it
When the Church tries to enforce
that when it comes to reproductive
conservative views as the only Catholic
health, the Church’s political agenda
way to practice, it is not doing justice to
can feel like an attack to many women?
As I struggled with this question,
7 Pseudonym
Dissenting Voices, v. 6, Spring 2017 57