Reduce abortion by teaching NFP in prisons?

[fnr]

One idea I’ve had for reducing abortions nationwide is to teach natural family planning methods (particularly the symptothermal method, which seems to be the most effective) in prisons. It requires that people become familiar with the biology of reproduction, open the door to discussions about relationships, learn strategies to avoid unwanted pregnancy without the use of artificial contraception, and (to me) consider how God loves us unquestionably, how we’re made to be in relationships (i.e., Genesis 2), and that we don’t need to use sex as a down payment for love.

I think such classes could be useful in prisons for both men and women.

What do you think about this strategy as part of the New Evangelization?

 

[Regina_Love]

I like it! Only a few may use it, but all would be educated.

 

[TK421]

It will be a battle at the institutional level. I’m actually exploring taking a career with correctional institution librarianship versus my original plan of working in a public or school setting. Prison libraries tend to be more geared towards preparing inmates for particular vocations. NFP might be difficult though because the world is in ongoing denial about the depravity and harm of making sex strictly about adult companionship. I’m sure you could have instructional classes inmates could look into, but you’d probably have to be cautious how much you go around trumpeting it.

Then again maybe I’m just paranoid and overestimating how far gone the country is. Prison faculty tend to lean on the conservative side (and not always in a good way, but they would at least probably be amiable to NFP)

 

[Allegra]

I think it’s an interesting idea. Usually, NFP is taught to married or engaged couples, but I’ve often thought it would do most women alot of good if they learned this stuff earlier on, before they had time to make a whole bunch of mistakes. On the other hand, there is always the chance that young, single girls would use NFP simply as safer, free contraception that is really easy to keep secret from your parents. Still, I could see alot of benefits.

 

[tabycat]

Good idea. :newidea:

 

[MaryT777]

It will be a battle at the institutional level. I’m actually exploring taking a career with correctional institution librarianship versus my original plan of working in a public or school setting. Prison libraries tend to be more geared towards preparing inmates for particular vocations. NFP might be difficult though because the world is in ongoing denial about the depravity and harm of making sex strictly about adult companionship. I’m sure you could have instructional classes inmates could look into, but you’d probably have to be cautious how much you go around trumpeting it.

Then again maybe I’m just paranoid and overestimating how far gone the country is. Prison faculty tend to lean on the conservative side (and not always in a good way, but they would at least probably be amiable to NFP)

I have to concur it will be a battle at the institutional level. But, with God all things are possible.
Mary.