According to the Alan Guttmacher Institute, which tracks reproductive health data, non-Hispanic Catholic women of childbearing age are 29% more likely than their Protestant counterparts to have abortions (full study*). The rate is even higher--33%--if Hispanics are factored in. Another way of looking at it: while Protestant women make up about 54% of the population, they account for only 37% of the abortions. Catholic women make up 31% of the population and account for 31% of the abortions.
Given the Catholic Church's longstanding position against abortion, one would think the abortion rate would be far lower than the population as a whole -- and yet, if anything, it seems to be higher.
This paradox puzzles Catholic leaders on both sides of the issue--like Helen Alvare, the former chief pro-life strategist and spokeswoman for the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Frances Kissling, president of Catholics for Free Choice. The one explanation for which there is at least some anecdotal evidence is that Catholic women appear to experience more feelings of guilt around sex, and more shame about pregnancy outside of marriage.
Yeah, no shit. This happens when you learn about sex from 80+ year old Father O'Malley!
"Sarah Palin absolutely blew AWAY the audience tonight. If there was any doubt as to whether she was savvy enough, tough enough or smart enough to carry the mantle of Vice President, she put those fears to rest tonight. She took on Barack Obama DIRECTLY on every issue and exposed... She did it with warmth and humor, and came across as the every-person....it's becoming mroe and more clear that she was a genius pick for McCain."
slycat wrote:Thats because they are against contraceptives thus making it easier to get pregnant thus leading to more abortions. Is my assumption accurate?
Yes, but the pregnancy outside of marriage as a catholic is the biggie, IMO.
Catholic women seem to be much more horney than others too.
Among countless other "teachings", the catholic position on contraceptives is laughable and is hardly adhered to by catholics.
"Sarah Palin absolutely blew AWAY the audience tonight. If there was any doubt as to whether she was savvy enough, tough enough or smart enough to carry the mantle of Vice President, she put those fears to rest tonight. She took on Barack Obama DIRECTLY on every issue and exposed... She did it with warmth and humor, and came across as the every-person....it's becoming mroe and more clear that she was a genius pick for McCain."
What I find so amusing is that couples, MARRIED couples, married before and created by Almighty God are committing "mortal sin" by using birth control. Even as a RC, I have NEVER seen what harm birth control can do, especially if a married couple, WHO KNOW THEIR OWN DAMN SITUATIONS BETTER THAN THE PRIEST, are using it responsibly. Let's see, murder or slapping latex on one's willie? Racism or slapping a latex on one's willie?
slycat wrote:Thats because they are against contraceptives thus making it easier to get pregnant thus leading to more abortions. Is my assumption accurate?
That's what my first thought was too.
Several things posted in this thread is why I consider myself a recovering Catholic. The birth control issue, unmarried priests that are supposed to be able to give marriage advice, money that is wasted on trappings for the pope and his cardinals, among others.
If fascism ever comes to America, it will come in the name of liberalism. Ronald Reagan, 1975.
slycat wrote:Thats because they are against contraceptives thus making it easier to get pregnant thus leading to more abortions. Is my assumption accurate?
That's what my first thought was too.
Several things posted in this thread is why I consider myself a recovering Catholic. The birth control issue, unmarried priests that are supposed to be able to give marriage advice, money that is wasted on trappings for the pope and his cardinals, among others.
Pwns wrote:I'd be willing to bet Catholics are more liberal on the abortion issue than protestants. Catholics vote dem at a higher rate than protestants.
Sort of punches a whole in the theory that evil backward anti-abortion subcultures have more problems with teen pregnancy.
Most liturgical Christians vote Dem while the fundies side with the GOP (God's Own Party)
Pwns wrote:I'd be willing to bet Catholics are more liberal on the abortion issue than protestants. Catholics vote dem at a higher rate than protestants.
Sort of punches a whole in the theory that evil backward anti-abortion subcultures have more problems with teen pregnancy.
What fukcing theory? They have their issues just like anyone else. The point is that religion is no guarantee of moral or ethical behavior.
As far as the catholics, the primary is that the church/vatican is rapidly becoming or is totally irrelevant to catholics, espicially in America.
"Sarah Palin absolutely blew AWAY the audience tonight. If there was any doubt as to whether she was savvy enough, tough enough or smart enough to carry the mantle of Vice President, she put those fears to rest tonight. She took on Barack Obama DIRECTLY on every issue and exposed... She did it with warmth and humor, and came across as the every-person....it's becoming mroe and more clear that she was a genius pick for McCain."
