In this episode of the Open to Life podcast, Cassidy, a passionate pro-life advocate, discusses the moral implications of contraception and its impact on society. She shares her personal journey and the importance of viewing children as blessings rather than burdens. The conversation explores biblical perspectives on fertility, the connection between pro-life advocacy and anti-contraception stances, and the cultural attitudes that have shifted negatively towards family size. Cassidy emphasizes the need for churches to address these issues and encourages couples to consider natural family planning as a means of understanding their bodies and embracing the gift of life.

Check out Cassidy's blog at letmylifebealight.com/

Check out her pro-life website embryoadvocates.com/

Connect with her on Instagram @cassidyelaine99

Connect with her on Twitter / X @cassidyelaine99

Further reading recommendations:

• Godly Seed—American Evangelicals Confront Birth Control by Alan Carlson
• Dispelling the Myths of Abortion History by Joseph W. Dellapenna
• The End of Woman: How Smashing the Patriarchy Has Destroyed Us by Carrie Gress
• Listen to The Contraception Pod (10 / 10 I DO RECOMMEND!!!)

Support the podcast:

• Learn menstrual cycle, period, and fertility education for Catholics of all ages and stages at ⁠Pearl and Thistle⁠

• Get 15% OFF the ⁠TempDrop⁠ with my code AFOPENTOLIFE

• Find healing after a traumatic birth in ⁠The Dwelling Place⁠. Learn more at ⁠Loretto Wellness⁠. 

• Immerse Yourself In All Things Pregnancy, Home Birth, and Postpartum from a Natural Christian Perspective through ⁠Embrace Birth Journey⁠

• Radical Birth Education: How To Have a Natural Birth — Self Paced Program. Use code MELANIE7116 for 5% OFF

• Build a ⁠toxin-free baby registry⁠

• My favorite travel credit card

Takeaways:

• Contraception is a moral issue that affects everyone, not just Catholics.
• Many Protestants have adopted contraception without examining it through scripture.
• Children are often viewed as burdens rather than blessings in some Christian communities.
• The Contraception Pod highlighted the collaboration between Catholics and Protestants on this issue.
• Scripture emphasizes God's involvement in fertility and the value of children.
• Contraceptive mentality can lead to a disconnect between sex and the potential for pregnancy.
• Cultural attitudes towards family size have shifted negatively in recent decades.
• The pro-life movement is interconnected with the anti-contraception stance.
• There is hope for a cultural shift away from contraception towards valuing life.
• Natural family planning can empower women and couples to understand their bodies better.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Pro-Life Advocacy and Contraception

01:38 Cassidy's Personal Journey into Pro-Life Activism

05:50 The Contraception Pod: A Collaborative Effort

06:57 Biblical and Theological Perspectives on Contraception

12:39 Addressing Common Arguments for Contraception

16:14 Stewardship and the Ethics of Contraception

20:19 Consequences of Embracing Contraception

26:02 Jesus as Lord Over Our Fertility

28:29 The Gift of Self in Marriage

30:08 Mindsets and Trust in God

31:39 The Sanctifying Nature of Motherhood

33:55 Consequences of Embracing Contraception

39:55 Pro-Life Movement and Contraception

49:54 Cultural Call to Action for Churches

55:20 The Weight of Abortion in Faith Communities

56:39 Rethinking Contraception Through Scripture

59:53 Building a Unified Movement Against Contraception

01:01:26 Understanding Natural Family Planning

01:06:12 The Theology of Life and Contraception

01:08:38 Signs of Hope in Pro-Life Advocacy

01:13:43 Advice for Unexpected Pregnancies and Contraception Choices

01:18:08 Resources for Further Exploration