In what ways could someone's culture, beliefs and practices influence contraceptive decision making? Provide thorough examples based on some of your readings and your own personal experiences. What were the beliefs about birth control/contraception within your own home and family?

The use of contraception was never as widely proclaimed and exhibited as it is now. The use of contraception has become a main-stream, that it is now "normal" for even teens to use these contraceptives. Schools promote the use of this once taboo practice of artificial birth control, and partake in the distribution of condoms amongst students. This is a clear example of how modern society and its practices can change the way people act morally and physically. It is indeed true, that culture, practice and traditions are subject to change. The practice of contraceptives 20-30 years ago was barely there and along with time we can see that use of it has practically influenced the society. Even though the practice has changed, there are still some chances seen with regard to the prohibition of the use of contraception.

Primarily, there are many Catholics who use contraceptives instead of family planning. This is not accepted by the Catholic Church, and is considered to be wrong. Catholics believe that sexual intercourse is a gift that was given to this earth by God, only to reproduce. This belief is clearly over looked by many people today, not only Catholics. Sex is used a tool for pleasure and to fulfill sexual desire by definition from a sex therapist. This indeed is a belief in modern places but in places with a conservative background, contraception is still prohibited. An individual's position on contraception can be influenced by many factors including cultural background, religious beliefs, and political positions. Each person makes their own decision, and is often passionate on their position feeling that their position is the only right one.

Cultural stances on contraceptive method of birth control issue vary greatly among the many peoples of the world. Many cultures out of which, the Navajo Indians are open minded about the methods used in contraception on the other hand there are many native Africans who belief that contraception is only a way to for a generation to weaken the culture and kill the future offspring. Besides religion, the factor that prohibits the use of contraception is unawareness. Educating and providing necessary supplies of contraceptive materials to remote un-educated, unaware localities could facilitate in the increase in the use of contraception and the reduction in the increasing population.