Is it immoral to teach abortion and contraception?

[Lady_James]

I am a Learning Support Assistant in a Young Offenders Institution, which accommodates young males aged 14-18 years. I would like some advice as part of my job as an LSA requires that should attend classes where contraception and information about abortion is taught. I have voiced my feelings about taking part in these lessons and am advised that I am only there to support the learners with their literacy and I don’t have to agree or have knowledge of the subject being taught.

But what about our students who are minors, where are the rights of them to not be taught these subjects, what about the rights of their parents while they are in custody? I would like to make a stand about this in some way or other but I just do not have the full knowledge or facts. Many of the boys in our custody are Catholic and I do not agree with them being taught this.

As a teenager, I did not attend Catholic school and I did not attend sex education classes at school as I was removed, surely all parents have the right to do this.

Does anyone have any knowledge, advice or facts, or an idea where I can turn. I believe these boys/parents should have the choice. Perhaps their parents don’t know…

Thanks for reading

 

[Blessed_Bride]

I wouldn’t under any circumstances. To me that is giving scandal to coworkers and the young people that you support abortion and contraception. I would plan to be absent that day. This may even fall into potential ‘cooperating in an abortion’ category. In teaching abortion, you are leading others to accept this as an option for their future. Which in turn may lead to an unborn child’s innocent death. I applaud you for standing up for your faith. Keep standing strong by refusing to be a part of this immoral teaching.

 

[WhollyRoamin]

You’re going to have to excuse yourself from this section of the work. Hopefully they can arrange something else for you like that.

Kudos to you for worrying about promoting error!

 

[luis_rcoelho]

i agree with most everything that has been said. now as catholics we have a moral obligation to make a stand of course. we know that our educational system is a secular one. not just educational but everything is secular nowadays. i wouldn’t do that course and if was asked why, i would tell the truth. we need people doing really stands, not finding excuses. that’s our faith and God clearly said abortion and contraception are a sin. if u contributing in any way with those issues, yes, u will contribute for lots of children to believe in those wrong morals. that’s even worst. we need catholics to have the courage to stand for our God, to say the truth, not just stay quite. i now within my job, sooner or later, i might have the same kind of problem. i will not back down and i will not be part of anything that teaches doctrines against our church. and i’m married, have children and a morgage to pay. first things first nad God always comes first

 

[basilisk]

If these kids are in prison, I think the institution determines their course of study. Parents don’t have legal rights over their kids while they are in prison, do they?

I honestly don’t understand why people who have moral objections to doing part of their job take those jobs in the first place. If you can’t do all parts of the job, don’t accept it. It’s not fair to the institution or to you.

 

[jwashu]

I am a Learning Support Assistant in a Young Offenders Institution, which accommodates young males aged 14-18 years. I would like some advice as part of my job as an LSA requires that should attend classes where contraception and information about abortion is taught. I have voiced my feelings about taking part in these lessons and am advised that I am only there to support the learners with their literacy and I don’t have to agree or have knowledge of the subject being taught.

But what about our students who are minors, where are the rights of them to not be taught these subjects, what about the rights of their parents while they are in custody? I would like to make a stand about this in some way or other but I just do not have the full knowledge or facts. Many of the boys in our custody are Catholic and I do not agree with them being taught this.

As a teenager, I did not attend Catholic school and I did not attend sex education classes at school as I was removed, surely all parents have the right to do this.

Does anyone have any knowledge, advice or facts, or an idea where I can turn. I believe these boys/parents should have the choice. Perhaps their parents don’t know…

Thanks for reading

Are they showing it as options or the only best method?

Technically abortion is legal in the US and no one except us sees anything wrong with contraception (shoot, we might include most Catholics in this category as well).

Didn’t you say this was a school for kids who are in trouble with the law?

As a Catholic who is trying to follow the teaching of the Church this is a difficult situation.

I’ve thought a great deal about this and I’m still thinking but here are some of those thoughts.

In a secular situation we have to stand up for what we believe in, yet in a secular situation we can not impose our Religious beliefs on others.

Thus if they are teaching that abortion is a LEGAL option in this Nation they are not lying nor are they talking about the moral or spiritual implications of it. If they are not presenting it as the only option then you would just be teaching factual information, not whether that option was correct or not is a different question. Factually abortion is an option in this country.

The same is true for contraception. Lets look at what might be best morally for these young adults. If they are already involved with the law then chances are likely that they are partaking in other risky behavior. Is it morally better to not teach someone in that situation that if they are going to participate in those behaviors that they should protect themselves? From a moral standpoint, should they contract AIDS or something at a young age we have much less of a chance to reach them from a Religious standpoint and tell them about the Truth of Christ.

Finally are their chances for you to interact with this individuals outside of that classroom setting? Chances for you to talk about your personal beliefs?

I believe that is where the moral decision truly lies. If you have to teach facts based upon our secular society then teach them. If you have the ability to interact with them on a spiritual level outside of that setting then you might stick it out. If not or if the evidence and push are going to always be diametrically opposed to our beliefs then perhaps you should consider another position.

Joe

 

[apromisemade]

But what about our students who are minors, where are the rights of them to not be taught these subjects, what about the rights of their parents while they are in custody? I would like to make a stand about this in some way or other but I just do not have the full knowledge or facts. Many of the boys in our custody are Catholic and I do not agree with them being taught this.

As a teenager, I did not attend Catholic school and I did not attend sex education classes at school as I was removed, surely all parents have the right to do this.

I’m sorry, but I can’t help but shake my head every time I hear the term “rights of parents.” I have a friend who interns at a social work branch, and she can attest to the fact that there are many parents out there who, while they certainly don’t have bad intentions, are really quite clueless. Just the other day I heard a story about a couple who allowed their child to eat pretty much nothing but oatmeal, and the kid got scurvy of all things. There is nothing wrong with taking someone elses advice. I have little patience for these parents who get on this high horse of “I know my children best,” and then get all indignant when someone points out an issue their child has that that person has seen before and knows how to resolve. We have pediatricians and child psychologists for a reason.

I think children have a right to know how to keep themselves safe. Immoral is better than outright dangerous. I was just talking to a sexually active 20 year old the other day who didn’t know what an STD was.

In the ideal world, no one would have sex until they were married. But the fact of the matter is, teaching a kid nothing about sex except “don’t do it” until they are 18, and then sending them off to college or wherever, is like teaching a kid nothing about driving except “don’t do it” until they are 18 and then sticking them in a sports car, handing them the keys, and saying,“Hit the highway.”

 

[Rob_s_Wife]

I have voiced my feelings about taking part in these lessons and am advised that I am only there to support the learners with their literacy
um, support them in it? no.

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as for simply stating what abortion and contraception is as legal options - that is not sinful.
my kids know what those things are and are suitably and justly horrified by it b/c I’ve also taught them what is wrong with those things such as:

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the negative health aspects of contraception -you don’t even have to get into religion, there’s MANY people that are turning against BC purely because of health reasons

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abortion is just a nasty, ugly thing and when explained scientificly without glossing over the ugliness ( which is what is done for any other medical procedure except abortion for this very reason, imnsho), most people can see it for the horror it is

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and I don’t have to agree or have knowledge of the subject being taught.
I have a problem with someone who does not have knowledge of the subject teaching it. How is it possible to support or educate them on it if you don’t know diddly about it? Even if they give you a script, how will you answer questions if you don’t do at least some level of research into it?

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Maybe you can teach the subject, but include the negatives and the NFP or abstinces alternatives?

I honestly don’t understand why people who have moral objections to doing part of their job take those jobs in the first place. If you can’t do all parts of the job, don’t accept it. It’s not fair to the institution or to you.

My guess is that abortion and birth control didn’t come up in the job interview and description.

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Aside from that, often people don’t view it as part of their job. for example, a dr or nurse might actually think their job is keeping people healthy - not pumping their system with unhealthy birth control so they can have unhealthy sexual relations or performing abortions that kill babies and scar women. But according to you, what they should do is just not be drs/nurses.

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These kids (note KIDS) are in prison and have far bigger issues than birth control and abortion. How about actually teaching them something useful - like job skills and relationship skills, so they don’t do something stupid like roam the streets looking for trouble and jerk boy/girl friends, but instead have a chance to make a decent life for themselves?

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**naw… that’s just crazy talk… **

 

[jmcrae]

I think children have a right to know how to keep themselves safe. Immoral is better than outright dangerous. I was just talking to a sexually active 20 year old the other day who didn’t know what an STD was.

I agree that that’s bad.

In the ideal world, no one would have sex until they were married. But the fact of the matter is, teaching a kid nothing about sex except “don’t do it” until they are 18, and then sending them off to college or wherever, is like teaching a kid nothing about driving except “don’t do it” until they are 18 and then sticking them in a sports car, handing them the keys, and saying,“Hit the highway.”

Have you ever taken the Christopher West course on human sexuality? It lasts for something like six weeks, yet doesn’t include anything about how to do contraception, or how to perform or obtain an abortion. I doubt they are just repeating “don’t have sex before marriage” over and over for two hours a week for six weeks.

Rather, they are teaching the kids about their body parts, about how the human machine works, about the psychology of sex, the moral issues, situation role-playing on how to say “No” to sex without losing the friendship, and so on. In other words, how to “drive safely,” without “crashing.”

 

[Lady_James]

I honestly don’t understand why people who have moral objections to doing part of their job take those jobs in the first place. If you can’t do all parts of the job, don’t accept it. It’s not fair to the institution or to you.

When I took on the job I was advised that I would be supporting numeracy and literacy only. This has since been expanded to cover other subjects. I am not the only one who objects to this teaching, my colleague, a Jehovah’s Witness also objects to these lessons.

They teach abortion as if it is an okay way to get out of a mess - there are no moral issues attached to the teaching, regardless of whether someone is Catholic/Christian or not.

 

[Lady_James]

My guess is that abortion and birth control didn’t come up in the job interview and description.

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Aside from that, often people don’t view it as part of their job. for example, a dr or nurse might actually think their job is keeping people healthy - not pumping their system with unhealthy birth control so they can have unhealthy sexual relations or performing abortions that kill babies and scar women. But according to you, what they should do is just not be drs/nurses.

---

These kids (note KIDS) are in prison and have far bigger issues than birth control and abortion. How about actually teaching them something useful - like job skills and relationship skills, so they don’t do something stupid like roam the streets looking for trouble and jerk boy/girl friends, but instead have a chance to make a decent life for themselves?

---

**naw… that’s just crazy talk… **

I was employed as a Learning Support Assistant and not as a teacher, my job is to support students with Literacy and Numeracy needs, not to teach, there is a teacher in the class who does that. My problem is that there are no morals taught, abortion is an easy option, and sleeping around would seem to be okay.

They are taught useful skills for jobs and we run vocational courses too. I agree that they should be made aware of STDs and we can’t perhaps change their habits, but I cannot condone abortion as an easy get out.

 

[WhollyRoamin]

In a secular situation we have to stand up for what we believe in, yet in a secular situation we can not impose our Religious beliefs on others.

Thus if they are teaching that abortion is a LEGAL option in this Nation they are not lying nor are they talking about the moral or spiritual implications of it. If they are not presenting it as the only option then you would just be teaching factual information, not whether that option was correct or not is a different question. Factually abortion is an option in this country.

The same is true for contraception. Lets look at what might be best morally for these young adults. If they are already involved with the law then chances are likely that they are partaking in other risky behavior. Is it morally better to not teach someone in that situation that if they are going to participate in those behaviors that they should protect themselves? From a moral standpoint, should they contract AIDS or something at a young age we have much less of a chance to reach them from a Religious standpoint and tell them about the Truth of Christ.

Wow, that’s bad advice.

Right is always right and wrong is always wrong. You’re promoting moral relativism here-- something that should be detestable to Catholics.

If the job says she’s got to teach immorality, she’s either got to find another option or find another job. Maybe you can pass this category off to someone else? That’s not the best situation, but it might be a functional compromise.

 

[Blessed_Bride]

They teach abortion as if it is an okay way to get out of a mess - there are no moral issues attached to the teaching, regardless of whether someone is Catholic/Christian or not.

This being said I second my suggestion to not partake in teaching lessons for that day. Bless you and your co worker for standing up for your pro life beliefs.

 

[Lady_James]

This being said I second my suggestion to not partake in teaching lessons for that day. Bless you and your co worker for standing up for your pro life beliefs.

Thank you for your support - I am going to refuse these lessons in future.

 

[Blessed_Bride]

Thank you for your support - I am going to refuse these lessons in future.

:clapping: Good for you. May your strength inspire me if I am ever in such a tight situation. God grant you courage and strength.

 

[apromisemade]

They are taught useful skills for jobs and we run vocational courses too. I agree that they should be made aware of STDs and we can’t perhaps change their habits, but I cannot condone abortion as an easy get out.

Hmmm. I recieved very good sex education in school. I knew all about the different forms of STDs and contraceptions by the time I started high school. But abortion was never really a part of those lessons. The only time I recieved an detailed “education” about abortion was as a high school freshmen when I was listening to the personal story of a senior who got pregnant but decided to give the baby up for adoption. She told us about the different types of abortion and such, but I wouldn’t say she promoted it or anything. She just presented the facts.
I’ll take your word for it when you describe the manner in which they teach abortion. But I am a little skeptical. You say they teach it with no moral strings attached…well…if you want to teach the morality of something in addition to it’s facts, go teach at a religious school. It’s not really to job of an educator to try to teach if something is right or wrong, but rather present all the facts of an issue and let the student make up their own minds.

Which they’re probably going to do anyway regardless .

Heck, my roomate went to a Catholic high school and she’s taking the pill as she is sexually active with her boyfriend of three years. If you want to sit part of the lesson out for the sake of your own convictions, that’s one thing. But the fact is you can only do so much as far as shaping these kids moral views, it’s not your job to tell them what to believe.

 

[jmcrae]

Heck, my roomate went to a Catholic high school and she’s taking the pill as she is sexually active with her boyfriend of three years. If you want to sit part of the lesson out for the sake of your own convictions, that’s one thing. But the fact is you can only do so much as far as shaping these kids moral views, it’s not your job to tell them what to believe.

At some point in her life, she was probably told by an authority figure that she trusts, that this is “safe sex.” That same authority figure probably also advised her not to listen to what she was being taught at her Catholic school. Coupled with pressure from the boyfriend, she probably came to the conclusion that sex is simply expected in boy-girl relationships. It is doubtful that she just came up with this idea on her own.

 

[apromisemade]

At some point in her life, she was probably told by an authority figure that she trusts, that this is “safe sex.” That same authority figure probably also advised her not to listen to what she was being taught at her Catholic school. Coupled with pressure from the boyfriend, she probably came to the conclusion that sex is simply expected in boy-girl relationships.

Woah! Those are some pretty big assumptions your making about someone you’ve never met !

How do you know if her boyfriend pressures her or not? I’ve listend to her talk to him before and believe me, she has not trouble telling him no.

The point is, kids don’t just suddenly have minds of their own when they turn 18. They are going to make their own choices, many of which will probably be bad ones. And one has to recognize there is a line between what you can tell a teenager is right or wrong and what they will end up having to learn, maybe the hard way, on their own. Yes, adults would love it if kids just did exactly as their parents said and made all the right choices all the time just because their parents said so. But, in my humble opinion, it is better to be realistic and give children* some* cushion for when they inevitably make poor choices and have to learn from their own mistakes.

 

[jmcrae]

Woah! Those are some pretty big assumptions your making about someone you’ve never met !

How do you know if her boyfriend pressures her or not? I’ve listend to her talk to him before and believe me, she has not trouble telling him no.

The point is, kids don’t just suddenly have minds of their own when they turn 18. They are going to make their own choices, many of which will probably be bad ones. And one has to recognize there is a line between what you can tell a teenager is right or wrong and what they will end up having to learn, maybe the hard way, on their own. Yes, adults would love it if kids just did exactly as their parents said and made all the right choices all the time just because their parents said so. But, in my humble opinion, it is better to be realistic and give children* some* cushion for when they inevitably make poor choices and have to learn from their own mistakes.

So, would you ever say to your son or daughter, “Don’t rob a bank. If I hear that you have been robbing banks, I will be very upset and disappointed in you. But if for some reason you choose to do so, there is a mask, a loaded gun, and a safety vest in the hall closet that you may use, so that you won’t get caught.”

 

[apromisemade]

So, would you ever say to your son or daughter, “Don’t rob a bank. If I hear that you have been robbing banks, I will be very upset and disappointed in you. But if for some reason you choose to do so, there is a mask, a loaded gun, and a safety vest in the hall closet that you may use, so that you won’t get caught.”

Don’t be vindictive. I was reffering to the kind of bad choices more typically of modern teenagers (i.e getting drunk, having sex, etc). In drivers ed. my instructor talked about a “no questions contract” he had with his mom. He went out drinking one night to the point of being impaired, and, as she had told him he would be able to, he called her and she came and drove him home. The next morning she took away his keys and administered a punishment accordingly, but the night that she took him home, there were no questions asked, they would wait until morning. Of course his mom told him she didn’t want him drinking in the first place. But, even more so, she did not want him getting in a car and trying to drive home drunk and paying for his mistake with his life or the life of someone else.

Emphasis on mistake. Teenagers make irrational choices that lead to dumb mistakes. Last I checked, robbing a bank didn’t fall under that category.

But that’s a little off topic.