Duterte To Impose 3-Child Policy Coincides Pope Francis’ Statement Concerning Birth Control

26 May Duterte To Impose 3-Child Policy Coincides Pope Francis’ Statement Concerning Birth Control

Image Source | www.politics.com.ph

It can be recalled that on May 23, 2016, presumptive president Rodrigo Duterte said in a press conference that he is going to impose 3-child policy as soon as he starts his duty as this country’s president. And the said announcement by Duterte seemed to agree with Pope Francis’ statement regarding the birth control issue January last year.

During Pope Francis’ flight from Manila to Rome, he was talked by reporters who boarded the same plane. Topics thrown to the pope were about jobs, women’s role in the church and homosexuality. The pope also shared his thoughts concerning the war in Iraq and terrorism and even his own retirement.

Then Pope became so chatty that he opened up about the church’s position on birth control. According to him, some think that to be good catholics, “we have to be like rabbits”.

Shown below are his exact words, taken from the Vatican Insider:

“I believe that three children per family, from what the experts say, is the key number for sustaining the population. The key word here is responsible parenthood and each person works out how to exercise this with the help of their pastor. … Sorry, some people think that in order to be good Catholics we have to breed like rabbits, right? Responsible parenthood: This is why there are marriage support groups in the Church with people who are experts on such issues; and there are pastors and I know that there are many acceptable solutions that have helped with this. And another thing: For poor people, children are a treasure, prudence is needed here too, it is true. Responsible parenthood but also recognizing the generosity of that father or mother who see their child as a treasure.”

Then the pope cited about a woman he met not too long ago, who was pregnant with her eighth child after going through seven Cesarean operations. To him, “That is an irresponsibility!”. The woman might have argued that she should trust in God but the pope said, “But God gives you methods to be responsible.”

Despit the fact that Pope Francis approves the church’s stand against contraception, he discussed about “licit” birth control methods supported by the church, suggesting to tracking a woman’s cycle to evade unplanned pregnancies.

Moving on, the pope spoke about freedom expression, state terrorism and corruption both in government and in the church.