Is there room for contraception within Christianity? How does the Big Picture inform our choices on contraception for Christians, and what are some theological, philosophical, and ethical implications of using contraception? What kind of contraceptive methods (currently) might be questionable and why? Is the pill you are taking abortifacient? Andy (Yes, he is back!), Steve, and Terry are back to offer their two cents on this sensitive issue.

Should Christians Use Birth Control?

Links & Articles

Does the Birth Control Pill Cause Abortions?: A Short Condensation by Randy Alcorn - Lay-person friendly summary of research that shows oral contraceptives prevent implantation

Investigating the Birth Control Pill from Reformed Perspective - Lay-person friendly from a Christian perspective

Highlights from Prescribing Information for Mirena

  • "Studies of Mirena and similar LING IUS prototypes have suggested several mechanisms that prevent pregnancy: thickening of cervical mucus preventing passage of sperm into the uterus, inhibition of sperm capacitation or survival, and alteration of the endometrium." (Section 12.1)
  • "Ovulation is inhibited in some women using Mirena. In a 1-year study, approximately 45% of menstrual cycles were ovulatory, and in another study after 4 years, 75% of cycles were ovulatory." (Section 12.2)

Canadian Contraception Consensus

  • Oral contraception: "Development of endometrial atrophy, making the endometrium unreceptive to implantation" (p. 221)
  • Patch: "Other mechanisms of action may include the development of endometrial atrophy making the endometrium unreceptive to implantation" (p. 227)
  • Ring: "Other mechanisms of action may include the development of endometrial atrophy making the endometrium unreceptive to implantation and cervical mucus changes that impede sperm transport." (p. 230)
  • Injectable: "Its mechanism of action is primarily by inhibition of ovulation." ("Primarily" implies other methods.) (p. 231)
  • Progestin-only pills: "Endometrial changes, reducing the potential for implantation, may occur." (p. 238)
  • All IUDs: "If fertilization does occur, IUDs also appear to have post-fertilization effects, including the potential inhibition of implantation." (p. 249)

Options for Sexual Health (Formerly Canadian branch of Planned Parenthood) - Even this group is upfront about the mechanism of making implantation difficult by thinning the lining of the uterus.

Mirena website - See "How does Mirena work to prevent pregnancy?"

Taking Charge of Your Fertility - Website and book educating women on their cycles and how to practice the Fertility Awareness Method (Non-Christian perspective)

Serena - Local network of teachers for Natural Family Planning

HealthLink BC - Barrier methods info but frequently mentions emergency contraception as a backup

Outro Music

Oliver-A (1)

City Angel
by Oliver Michael

2 thoughts on “Should Christians Use Birth Control?”

  1. The question is has God given mankind the right to control birth ? I believe it’s God’s place Jacob said am I in God’s stead how has withheld from you the friut of the woom. The legalization of the birth control pills has ended in legal abortion. Jesus said the days are coming in the which they shall say blessed are the barren…

  2. Let’s call contraception what it is , life prevention and it’s no man’s right to prevent another man’s life remember Onan who God killed what Onan did displeased the Lord so He killed him

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