Virginia Pharmacy Prescribes “Divine Mercy” – but not Birth Control
It may have slipped by with the barrage of media coverage of the elections, but late last month Divine Mercy Care Pharmacy opened in Chantilly, VA. Among other things that don’t fit into the “culture of life” that the pharmacy prescribes to, shoppers will not be able to buy birth-control pills or condoms in the store.
We have to wonder if the folks who run this pharmacy know the full story about the causes of unplanned pregnancy.
Research has shown that there is an emerging link between relationship abuse and unplanned pregnancy - for instance, 40% of pregnant women who have been exposed to abuse report that their pregnancy was unintended, compared to just eight percent of non-abused women. Refusing to use birth control, or engaging in birth control sabotage is one of the most troubling ways that abusive men exert control over women in unhealthy relationships.
Shame, feelings of powerlessness, and a general lack of awareness about the issues involved in birth control sabotage often leave women in this situation without the support or compassion they need to make a change.
By refusing to offer even the most basic form of birth control, the pharmacists at Divine Mercy Care Pharmacy may be exposing women who are in abusive relationships to greater risk for unplanned pregnancy and other reproductive health problems.
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iFLoWwSaVUeLMHe8mPIPm-DymIMAD93V56MO0
Every time I would confront him about his lies and unfaithfulness, he would force himself on me sexually. He always refused to wear a condom and would act offended when I suggested he use one."
