10. "Married love, therefore, requires of husband and wife the full awareness of their obligations in the matter of responsible parenthood, which today, rightly enough, is much insisted upon, but which at the same time should be rightly understood. Thus, we do well to consider responsible parenthood in the light of its varied legitimate and interrelated aspects."
This paragraph explains the importance of being a good parent. It says that after getting married, both the husband and the wife have to be aware of their obligations to their children and that they are both responsible for the outcome of their children. Neither the wife or the husband can be to blame for an issue regarding their child, both need to take responsibility for what they created together as a married couple.
I find this point to be extremely important for couples to consider before having children. Having children is a huge decision in itself and is not one that should be taken lightly for couples. Having sex is an activity that many couples engage in but having a discussion about the possible consequences is a vital conversation whether a couple is trying to have a child or not.
For couples who are trying to intentionally have a child, the responsibility conversation is a must. Everything changes for couples after they have a child and a lot of work is required to ensure the health and safety of that child. Talking about who will work, who stay home and care for the baby and even small details about who will change diapers in the middle of the night are all points that need to be discussed and agreed upon in preparation for a child. Responsibility is crucial and necessary for parenthood.
A main factor to consider when reading the paragraph from the Pope is the term 'married love.' In this day and age, many people have children without being married and this is also an important matter to address. Even though a couple may not be married, the parenthood responsibilities are still there if a child is brought into the picture. If a couple is having sex, married or not, if a baby is made both the mother and the father should be held responsible for that child. Like the classic saying 'it takes two to tango' it also takes two to care for a child. Children that grow up with only one parent do not have the same opportunities that most children have when raised by both parents. Even if the parents decide that being separated is best for their relationship, having both parents in the child's life is essential.
The point that the Pope makes, when it comes to parenthood, is something that society should strive to do. In today's society many couples are having sex and they might not always be safe and use birth control, condoms, etc. People need to realize that a child is a lifelong responsibility and commitment. With new drugs like the Plan B pill, it seems like society thinks that being pregnant is no longer as much of an issue or it is easy to get rid of a child through adoption. I agree with what the Pope has to say here and parents need to be responsible and raise their child to the best of their ability.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with most of your statements, but it is definitely not essential for both parents to raise a child, and in some cases it is in the best interest of the child to have one parent absent. If the parent is young and irresponsible enough to have a child when they don't want one and cannot afford one, they probably are not mature enough to raise a child.
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