Contraceptives promise stronger marriages, lower divorce rates and children receiving greater love. Does it deliver? Since the 1970s, these promises have failed and Dr. Janet Smith presented reasons why contraceptives are a major contributing factor, rather than a resolver to these problems.

Dr. Smith clarified many of the common misconceptions associated with the use of contraceptives. These misconceptions assisted in distinguishing the false information which we commonly receive from the media and secular world. Common lies, such as world overpopulation and harmless contraceptives, were refuted by a plethora of scientific research. For example, Dr. Smith presented the overwhelming negative consequences of birth control such as increased irritability, depression, weight gain and lower sex drive. She also disclosed that 17 women have died since the patch has been released.

Not only do contraceptives harm our physical nature, but they also distort our view of morality. Contraceptives separate the act of sex and marriage and commonly lead to the destruction of families. Contraceptives are an impediment to total self-giving of spousal love. In contrast to the societal norm of living freely without consequences, Dr. Smith presented reality.

Throughout all of our lives, our actions produce consequences. Our sexual activity is no exception. Thus, there is no logical definition for an accidental pregnancy, as each action brings about a “consequence.”

The Church’s teaching was displayed by Dr. Smith through many resources such as the “Catechism of the Catholic Church,” and “Humanae Vitae.” In a world where most sexually active couples use contraceptives, Dr. Smith challenges people to embrace their sexuality rather than treat their bodies as tools or objects they can distort. Dr. Smith has a great gift of bringing people to a better understanding of what our created purpose is, and I hope that she continues this mission in a world so hungry for the truth.

Maria DeMuse, Arts & Sciences freshman