Scientology blah

From the car-crash that Katie Holmes' life has become, emerges a new horror. Apparently, Scientology suggests to adherents an unlovely practice called 'silent birth'.

According to the teachings of the Church of Scientology, pregnant women are encouraged to give birth silently, as Scientologists believe a baby can be traumatized by hearing his or her mother scream or moan during the process of childbirth.

Yeah, and women can also be traumatized by a giant baby coming out of their vagina.

The faith also prohibits newborns from being poked or prodded for medical tests. Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard wrote, "The baby should not be bathed or chilled but should be wrapped somewhat tightly in a warm blanket, very soft, and then left alone for a day or so."

Super. Absolutely the right thing to do to not know if your baby has any health problems that may become apparent upon delivery. Also a jolly good idea for the parents and baby not to start bonding with each other immediately. And leaving your child hungry? Marvelous.

This ridiculous practice promoted by Scientology highlights everything that is wrong with the faux-religion. Clearly envious of monotheism's success in blaming the ladies, Scientology has invented its own brand of woman-hatred, based on the most noxious pseudo-science. Instead of creating narratives and dogma that make procreation women's raison d'être, Scientology literally silences women during the birthing process. It also doesn't seem to be down with the breastfeeding project. Ideally, breastfeeding should start an hour or so after birth; which is a little bit difficult when your baby is festering in blood and amniotic fluid in a blanket somewhere else.

Throw in the fact that Scientology doesn't approve of epidurals, anti-depressants, or pain medication and I'm thinking sooner you than me, Katie.

(Hat tip: Sisyphus Shrugged)