We started discussing labor options. I was only 34 weeks and would not be under his care for much longer (I was to be released back into the care of my midwife at 35 weeks); but, I still wanted to know what he would do.
He recommended induction at 39 weeks, using a “wonderful drug” that mimics the “natural progression of labor”.
Wow. I was impressed. This “wonder drug” sounded a lot better to me than the dreaded Pitocin I was always hearing about – with its strong and unnatural contractions.
So I asked, “What’s the name of this drug? And why don’t more people use it?”
He answered, “Cytotec. And I don’t know why more doctors don’t administer it.”
I could have stopped there and accepted his authoritative answer and even requested the use of Cytotec in my own labor process. He is a doctor after all, and he made it sound wonderful!
But, I decided I had to find out more for myself. And I think I found the reason why more doctors don’t administer it…
1. Cytotec is NOT approved for use in pregnant women. There have been absolutely no clinical trials with the drug on pregnant women.
2. Because there have been no trials on pregnant women, doctors do not know the “correct dosage”. They have to guess.
3. Since it’s in a pill form, if there are adverse affects, the medicine cannot be stopped like a medication in a drip form.
4. Even the drug’s manufacturers warn medical providers to not use this drug on pregnant women and of its harms including: uterine rupture, postpartum hemorrhage, fetal distress, amniotic embolism, fetal death, and maternal death.
Wow. It seems like my authoritative in control doctor didn’t pass along some information to me, did he? Maybe he omitted this information knowingly or maybe he did not know. Either way, it’s important to note that as individuals we must stay informed and not let anyone else control our decisions concerning medication or more importantly… our spiritual life!
So, who makes the decisions in YOUR spiritual life?
1. Your Preacher: Think about it. They’re very similar to doctors – they wear snazzy clothes; when they talk you listen (or at least you SHOULD!); they are well educated in their “trade”; they have a lot of influence. Do we sometimes just “take their word for it” like we do doctors? How many times have you heard “but my preacher says…” Don’t fall into this trap! Just like my doctor may have not have known for himself the truth about Cytotec, your preacher is fallible. He may not have all the answers all the time. Examine for yourself the truth (Acts 17:11) – study the Word (2 Tim 2:15) and make your own decisions.
2. Your Parents: Do you attend a particular church or congregation just because “that’s where Mom and Dad went?” Do you hold a certain view on a subject because “that’s what Mom and Dad thought?” Even if Mom and Dad are/were right – we need to know why! “…and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;” 1 Peter 3:15
3. Your Kids: You may not want to admit it; but do they hold power over your spiritual decisions? Do you attend a certain congregation because you want them to be able to “have fun” and not because of what is being taught? Do you skip worship services because you want your kids to be able to play in their baseball game? When these decisions affect spiritual decisions, they become authoritative!
4. Your Peers: Sometimes we think we’re safe amongst Christians; but unfortunately that’s not always the case. We can never let our guard down and follow the crowd, no matter how noble or righteous they seem! Equip yourself with the Word to avoid this dangerous pitfall! (2 Tim 3:16-17)
So many people have the potential to hold authority over our spiritual lives. Some we may not even clearly see as “authoritative figures” (like children), but they still exert great influence over the decisions we make. So take charge. Inform yourself. Make your own decisions. Because in the end it will be YOU – not preacher, momma, daddy, junior, or bubba – who will answer to God for your decisions (Romans 14:12).
~Martha Howell
(For more information on the dangers of the drug Cytotec in pregnant women, visit: http://babyhowellblog.blogspot.com/2011/04/going-to-be-induced-educate-yourself.html.)
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