Catholics reject family planning drive

By Lucianne Limo

The Catholic Church has urged Kenyans to reject the global birth control campaign and instead embrace natural family planning and abstinence.

The church in a statement on Saturday expressed shock that Kenya was among countries that have signed up to a new Sh356 billion drive to promote family planning services.

“At a time when our people are greatly affected by HIV/Aids and preventable road carnage, we cannot go further to condone efforts at reduction of life,” Cardinal John Njue said.

He questioned the use of a large amount of money for contraceptives while women are dying daily due to lack of proper medical care, food, and housing. Njue said the drive by foreign agencies targeting millions of African girls and women is unimaginable, dangerous and could lead to distraction of the human society and race.

The church said the use of contraceptives goes against the teaching of the church in Kenya where majority of people are Christians and God fearing.

“We the Catholic bishops warn all Kenyans and Government that any development which does not protect the human person is meaningless and in vain,” said Njue.

Early this month, a summit in London on family planning pledged funds to ensure 120 million women and girls in poor countries access contraceptives by 2020.

Planning minister Wycliffe Oparanya was among more than 150 leaders from donor and developing countries, international agencies, civil society, foundations and the private sector who attended the summit during the World Population Day.

The National Council for Population and Development (NCPD) projections indicate that the country’s population will hit 64 million in 2030 if the growth rate remains constant.

But the Church on Saturday said this population figure is not big if proper planning where corruption, nepotism and egoistic trends are absent and instead a responsible government is in place.

“We appeal to Kenyans of good will to reject this plan and join in the liberation of women following the example of Christ’s own esteem to them,” he added.