Zika, the mosquito-borne virus that seems to cause microcephaly (abnormally small head with severe brain damage) has dominated the news this month. In my blog I argued that several governments’ advice to women to avoid pregnancy ignored reality on the ground in countries where access to contraception is limited, abortion is a crime, and women are disempowered. This week the Pope indicated that Zika presents a special circumstance in which Catholics could use contraceptives to avoid pregnancy. Heath ministers, take heed. |