Teaching about birth control

[Parksandrec]

I have a dilemma. I graduated college last year with a degree in social work. It has been tough finding a job, recently I came across a job for a sexual health counselor. The job entitles teaching people about contraception, pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and other things that fall into this category. The job comes with great benefits and wonderful hours. I have been called for a interview, but I cannot help to wonder if I accept this job, will I be making a mistake. Is teaching others about contraception a sin?

 

[Talitha712]

I don’t know for sure. I know I personally wouldn’t do it.
Some Catholic nurses I know feel ok teaching about it because they’re not trying to encourage it, only present all the options legally offered. Others refer such questions to someone else (probably something you can’t do in your situation).
Since this job is so specific to this topic, I would look elsewhere but that’s your decision. I strongly recommend talking to a priest and also finding out what your rights are in your area.
I’ll say a prayer for you, best of luck to you and God bless!

 

[adamhovey1988]

Ultimately, the choice is up to you, but were it me, I would look for a job elsewhere.

 

[adgloriam]

Accept the job. A counselor with morals and ethics is much better than one without. Give the advice those youngsters need, with all “ifs and buts”. You’ll find them more intelligent than you think and you’ll probably be providing them with a chance to have answers on why certain things shouldn’t be done. Again, you won’t be able to preach or proselytize on the job. But perhaps you can enlighten the youngsters about some very real dangers with good timing. And that in itself is good enough.

 

[1ke]

You should contact the National Catholic Bioethics Center.

I also suggest you read this document:

https://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/health-care/upload/Ethical-Religious-Directives-Catholic-Health-Care-Services-fifth-edition-2009.pdf

Without knowing the details of the job it’s hard to say, but on the surface it doesn’t appear like something you could in good conscience do for a living. Recommending contraception and abortion is immoral.

 

[Axsenex]

Fascinating dilemma for you… :man_shrugging:t2:

 

[Lara]

Don’t do it. It’s participating with the devil. Plus you will have to give all sorts of misinformation. Run the other direction. In fact if you say no to this opportunity, God may have a better job waiting for you just around the corner. There is no dilemma here in my opinion. Actually, social work in general will almost certainly create a situation where you will have to compromise your beliefs if you are Catholic. However, there may be a Catholic organization or Christian organization that you can work for.

 

[Cruciferi]

Go to the interview. See if you’ll be forced to advocate birth control or if you can suggest NFP. Ask questions! Don’t be sheepish Make them think a little and demonstrate you’re not mindless.

 

[February]

I’ve been a licensed clinical social worker since 2005. I’ve primarily worked with moms and young children, so the issues of birth control and abortion inevitably came up. However, I was always able to listen, support, guide, and pray for them. Medical decisions were pretty much left up to their Drs., though I never had a client in my care abort a child. (Lots of regret for those who had in the past! Certainly none of them ever “shouted their abortion” like Planned parenthood would have us believe).

But, I would fear that with this position you would be the one promoting “safe sex” and birth control. I can almost guarantee it being in the job description. I have avoided jobs that would have me promoting things against my conscience; it’s difficult in a liberal field but entirely possible, especially once you’re fully licensed with the freedom to practice how you choose. Personally I would keep looking, or just use the interview as practice for another job.