Faith
The Catholic Church sees birth control as a sin because it interferes with the natural order of life. According to Catholicism, sex is reserved for marriage and should be used with the intention of having children. Contraception is often seen as a form of manipulation of the natural process, which the Catholic Church views as an abrogation of the sanctity of the marital relationship. The Church also believes that predetermining the number of children one will have is wrong.
Moral Arguments
The Christian faith emphasizes the importance of managing and caring for the environment, as well as protection of human life from conception. Thus, some theologians believe that artificial birth control, such as condoms and birth control pills, provide a “moral choice” for both partners. On the other hand, many Christian theologians support natural family planning or the “rhythm method” to avoid conception, but reject both oral contraceptives and the use of condoms or diaphragms. Others, such as the Anglican theologian David Albert Jones, suggest that Christian couples should have the freedom to use any contraception, if their conscience allows it.
Biblical Arguments
Although the debate regarding birth control within Christianity is ongoing, most Christian denominations agree that no passage in the Bible explicitly states whether birth control is right or wrong. However, certain passages in the Bible can be interpreted as being in favor of not using birth control, such as Genesis 1:28, which states “be fruitful and multiply.” Others suggest that using contraception is necessary for stewardship of the environment and for social justice, as large and unplanned families could lead to suffering and poverty if resources are not available.
Pros and Cons of Birth Control
Proponents of birth control contend that it allows couples to plan their families and to enjoy sex within marriage without fear of unwanted pregnancy. Contraceptives can also serve as an important public health tool, helping to lower fertility rates, preventing teenage pregnancies, and alleviating poverty in communities with limited resources. Additionally, birth control can be used to treat certain reproductive health disorders and conditions.
On the other hand, opponents of birth control argue that it interferes with the natural process of reproduction and can be seen as a form of manipulation. Additionally, the use of contraception, including the rhythm method, can lead to an increased risk of unintended pregnancies, potentially increasing the number of abortions.
Reproductive Health Awareness
The Catholic Church has taken a strong stance against the use of artificial birth control, yet it does recognize the need for couples to be educated about natural family planning and other forms of contraception. The Church encourages the use of conscience-based decision-making in reproductive health and has called for improved reproductive health services and education for young people. The Church does not support or condone the use of devices such as condoms or contraceptive pills.
Social Implications
Studies have shown that the practice of contraception can lower poverty rates, as well as improve the educational and economic prospects of women. Additionally, contraception can lead to healthier outcomes for both mother and baby during pregnancy and childbirth, thus reducing mortality rates in both mothers and infants. Moreover, contraceptive use can lead to fewer abortions, as well as fewer unplanned pregnancies.
Cross Cultural Considerations
The perspective on the use of contraception is varied in different cultures, with some countries favoring its use, while others deem it a sin. Furthermore, certain regions of the world receive limited access to contraception, thus making them unable to make a full, informed decision about their reproductive health. In addition to the lack of access to contraception, many women in developing countries are unable to access family planning services or education due to cultural barriers and gender inequality.
Sexual Health and Education
Sex education is an important part of any comprehensive reproductive health and rights policy. Comprehensive sexual health education should be provided to young people in order to equip them with the knowledge, skills and confidence to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. This should include access to information on different methods of contraception and the risks associated with each. Such information should be presented in a factual way and designed to empower young people to take control of their reproductive health and to make decisions about their fertility.
Health Care Access
In order to give people access to their full reproductive health rights, it is vital to have improved health care access. This access must include access to contraception, as well as other reproductive health services and education. In many countries, access to contraception is still limited, and these countries must take steps to improve access and increase awareness about different methods of contraception. Furthermore, countries must strive to eliminate any social and financial barriers that hinder access to reproductive health services.
Government Policy
Governments must ensure that all individuals, regardless of gender, race, religion, or other factors, have the right to access adequate reproductive health services. In particular, governments should ensure that individuals are not denied access to contraception due to religious, economic, or other factors. Additionally, governments must also strive to ensure that these services are provided in a safe and non-discriminatory manner.
Religious Objections
Although many religions, including Christianity, have taken a stance against the use of artificial contraception, it is important to remember that this stance is not universal. Not all religious groups condemn contraception and some Christian denominations, such as the Anglican Church and the United Church of Canada, accept its use. It is important for all religious denominations to be aware of the social, health, and economic implications of restricting access to contraception and to support individuals who wish to take control of their reproductive health.
