Zika virus has been linked to the development of birth defects in babies of pregnant mothers bitten by the disease-carrying mosquitoes. For this reason, some countries in Latin America are advising couples not to have children for a few months or even a few years. However, the predominant religion in Latin America countries is Roman Catholicism, which forbids its members from using artificial birth control methods.
CS Monitor reports that the suggestion to avoid pregnancy for a period of time is difficult to implement anywhere in the world, especially in Catholic nations such as in Latin America. Examples of Latin American countries who have issued warnings to couples about getting pregnant are Brazil, Colombia and El Salvador. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has not issued any advisory about this yet.
Catholic priests have different opinions on whether adherence to their anti-birth control stance is necessary during times of a virus outbreak. Some priests are saying that artificial birth control is wrong no matter what the circumstance is, but some are saying that there can be a compromise.
National director of Priests for Life Rev. Father Frank Pavone is one of the priests who believe that the church's anti-birth control stance should be implemented despite the Zika virus outbreak. "So couples have a responsibility to live according to the church's teachings in whatever circumstances they find themselves," Pavone told CNN .
"The polemical approach, that contraception is devious or demonic in origin or the smoke of Satan, may ultimately not be the best pastoral approach," Boston College theology professor Rev. James Bretzke told CNN. He also said that the church cannot be too strict during certain situations especially if they involve babies suffering because of the condition.
A bioethicist named Paris also posed a question that is related to the Zika virus and catholic doctrine dilemma being faced by Latin American Countries. "The Bible says 'thou shalt not steal,' but is it wrong for a father to go get a bucket of coal to keep his family from freezing to death? The answer is no, of course not," CNN reports. This line of thinking agrees with Pope Francis' more compassionate and merciful approach in leading the Catholic church, CS Monitor added.
