Working in a Workplace that Sells Contraception (Parts 1 and 2)

[Davis_tylerj]

Hello,

I am a Business Major and have recently been blessed with a foot in the door at my locally owned grocer. Its a massive family owned grocer that has been nationally ranked for its values and its treatment of its employees. Moreover, they stress the importance of healthy living and make huge efforts to enable healthier living every day. They’re super well respected and have grown exponentially. Additionally, they have poured millions into scholarships for their employees, single handedly fund/feed all local food banks, and have donated millions to local Catholic charities and Catholic schools. Their founder was a devout Catholic and their family has continually owned it ever since. I’ve been told that their family (the CEO’s) still regularly attends mass locally as well.

Seeing all of this success and the amazing impact that they have made locally, I eagerly pursued employment in their organization. After being turned down for a stocking position, I was blessed to be offered a Pharmacy Technician position. This position, like all others in the organization, pays well and has super nice managers.

I had my first shift the other day and absolutely loved the work and the company’s push for values and making a difference even if it hurt their bottom line.

Yet while walking the aisles, I noticed something I had never seen before, contraception. It then dawned on me that a good amount of the distribution I will directly facilitate involves helping check out a doctors prescription for Birth Control for the patient. This has really bothered me and left me upset the last few days.

See other posting for Part 2

 

[Davis_tylerj]

I love the company so very much and I am so new, but I am frustrated that they sell contraception as I find it morally wrong. But to say anything would be almost certain firing or at least remove future possibility of continuing to grow in the organization. Moreover, I do not believe saying anything will actually bring about change as the people I would be able to talk to have no say in what goes on the floor.

I’ve read some threads on here and I recognize that the customers could be using birth control for many non birth control purposes like menstrual help, and I know that it ultimately is their own sin if they choose to use it in an evil way. But what about condoms and contraceptive jelly? Both of which are sold.

I’ve been trying to get in this organization for months and it will finally open doors for future growth and continued impact in my community, but I feel so uneasy about working for a company that sells something I find morally wrong.

However, I also recognize that shy of working for the Church itself, this requirement would practically isolate myself from all future forms of employment. If I work in a movie theater, I could be morally challenged to sell tickets or endorse the viewing of movies I disagree with morally. If I work for an internet/tv company, I would be working for a company that allows porn usage on its services. If I work for the government then I directly support the government’s abortion efforts through Medicaid. If I flush the toilet even, it could be helping improve the final dollar for the company / ceo that will use that money for abortion services or donating to them. I feel like this is a problem no matter where I go.

How am I supposed to work for an organization that I have a moral issue with a decision they’ve made like selling a particular product ? (I understand they may be forced to sell the pills due to licensing, but they choose what goes on the floor I believe).

I feel that this is perhaps just anxiety but I do not know how to make it stop. I’ve had issues with scrupulosity in the past but I dont know if I am going to far with this or if I need to leave.

When I individually asked my girlfriend, my best friend, and my Deacon, they all affirmed that leaving would not help. They believe I need to learn to grow in relationship with those I disagree with and that I shouldnt write off the great good that the org. has done for the simple sale of a few products. Additionally, they’ve pointed out that my working there may provide opportunity to see it changed, whereas if I left it would stay the same perhaps guaranteed.

I’ve also seen many point to the soldier and tax collector in scripture who asked Jesus what they should now do after Baptism, and he told them to stop misusing their positions for personal gain, but he never instructed them to leave despite the evil of the Roman Empire with which they collaborated by working there.

I suppose I am nervous of implicit support through working for an organization but I do not know if this is just anxiety or not.

Any help or guidance would be appreciated.

Blessings,

Tyler

 

[JMMJ]

Find a different line of work than pharmaceuticals if this create such a problem for you. What you are describing is as if somebody goes to work in a bar and then has a problem with the fact that it serves alcohol.

 

[JulianN]

The OP has said he struggles with scrupulosity. He should listen to his priest or spiritual director, not any advice we can give on this forum.

 

[JMMJ]

Then in that case I would also suggest a licensed counselor who is trained in this area.

 

[Dlee]

If you are using your real name and name of a company, I’d change that pronto.