For the past three weeks I've gone to an abortion clinic to pray at 5:45am. They perform abortions at 6am at this clinic. A group of 5 of us stand there and pray for an hour as the women walk into the clinic. It's very hard to watch them walk in. Today a girl walked in with her latte and her attitude just seemed so casual to me - it makes me tear up.
Today I felt God impressing on me the phrase "what about contraceptives?"
I've taken this to God and discussed it with Erik and we will be taking a new direction in our lives. The pro-life movement has a very strong Catholic base which takes a stand against contraceptives. I read this very long article about it as well as some others which raise good points.
So my vast readership, what about contraceptives?
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To me, there should be prayer asking for guidance for when a married couple should start a family, and I don't see a problem with using contraceptives as part of that family planning, when you do not feel a leading that it is time to reproduce. God will certainly use "surprises" sometimes, but for those that feel as though the time is not right for children, I think contraceptives are fine.
That, and while God will create the children we are meant to have, no matter what preventative measures are used, I really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really don't want kids right now. :)
When I think about this issue I mostly think in terms of the effect on public health (probably no surprise there.) One thing that becomes exceedingly obvious as a pediatrician is that many kids are having sex and aren't about to stop. Keep that in mind with some of these conversations. Do we want our young people to have children? No. Do we want our young people to have abortions? No. But they ARE having sex. So what do you expect to happen? Either they use contraception or we have more 14 year old moms. This is why I have a hard time with the stance of the Catholic church, it's creating a no-win situation. That is why Bush I believe was wrong over the past 8 years for only funding abstinence only programming for children and not any teaching about safe sex.
The data on safe sex education shows that if we teach abstinence we do delay the onset of sexual activity. If we teach safe sex, we aren't promoting sex, we are promoting healthy lifestyle choices in the context of the decisions they are already making. Both prevent pregnancy and together they are more effective at preventing pregnancy that either alone.
I hate abortion too. But I would much rather see efforts taken to prevent the unwanted pregnancies in the first place, and from that perspective I have to say I think contraception can be very valuable. If your goal is to stop abortions, I really feel the best thing to do is push contraception. Prevent the pregnancy and abortion is a non-issue.
I see no biblical reason for Christians to oppose barrier methods of contraception (condoms, diaphragms, etc). If it is true that hormonal birth control (pills, patches, etc) can allow an egg to be fertilized but not allow that egg to implant, then it may be the case that those methods would be killing a baby and hence not appropriate from a Biblical standpoint. I have seen conflicting information about whether that really happens when using birth control pills, so I don't know what the right answer there is. This is an area worthy of research.
As far a public health, I support distribution of free condoms to reduce the spread of disease and unwanted pregnancy. Is is obvious that the lack of contraception does not prevent people from having sex. This is true today and has been true since Biblical times (see David and Bathsheeba for an example). From an educational perspective, I feel that the approach should be to teach that the only 100% effective way to prevent STDs and unwanted pregnancy is to abstain from sex. However, if you choose to have sex, then use of a condom will reduce the risks.
One of the problems that I see with arguments for teaching only abstinence (and arguments against the distribution of condoms) is that they are expecting everyone to live according to Christian moral principles. As a Christian, I can't expect people who don't share my beliefs to follow the same moral code that I do.
Awesome comments!!!!
While I've always agreed with both David and Joel and it sounds so logical, I've read that most women have abortions because the contraceptives failed. People say they got pregnant "by accident". Really? Does that really happen?
I've never liked the argument "people are going to do it anyway". That kind of argument gives the idea that consensus determines morality.
I don't think the government should remove contraceptives and for a married couple it is your own choice. I do believe God has spoken to me about this topic. Especially with chemical contraceptives, many of them have abortifacient effects. Read my linked article, search on this topic. I was surprised at what I found especially after hearing that word from God. Especially since I'm praying at abortion clinics, I do not want to be a hypocrite.
I don't think contraceptives can be blamed for the rise in abortions (as some articles suggest). Rather, the decrease in the number of Christ-followers in our country can be blamed.
Let me answers a couple questions of oral contraceptive pills (OCPs). The progesterone only pills function by thickening the uterine lining, so their main function is to prevent implantation (preventing pregnancy after fertilization.)
The other main type of OCP is the combination estrogen/progesterone pills. This is the pills that we use most often. The main function of the combination pills is to prevent ovulation. As such this prevents pregnancy by preventing fertilization in the first place. So there are pills which we can prescribe that don't typically have the negative religious connotations. I know that is the main mechanism of action, but I don't know that the combo pills never function by preventing implantation of a fertilized egg. If I can clarify it more I'll put up further comments.
Further clarification on the OCP issue would be very much appreciated. :) I've started doing a little bit of research on the subject as a result of this discussion and another conversation with some friends awhile back. I too have come up with conflicting information so far.
I'm currently using one of the combination type pills. I honestly don't want to stop taking it because of the side benefits - clearer complexion, lighter periods, less moodiness, etc... But if there is even a chance that these pills will have abortifacient effects, I can't continue to take them in good conscience. Those other things are not at all important compared to that.
I've never seen contraception as being morally wrong either. I too really, really, really don't want kids right now. :) I've taken my lack of any desire or leading to have children to mean that I probably shouldn't. I even feel like not having children right now will allow us to be more free and available to be used by God in other ways. But I know people who feel very differently on the matter and they make valid points. I know one person in particular who feels strongly that christian couples are called to "be fruitful and multiply" and evangelize by bringing children into the world and leading them to Christ so that they can in turn win others to Christ. Makes sense, but I've felt no personal leading in this direction. So, am I simply being selfish or does God use some couples in other ways?
Michelle, I'm so excited to hear that you are researching this! From what I've read and David said, fertilization can occur when using chemical contraceptives. If we believe life begins at the moment of conception, then an abortion can occur. I know that the combination pill acts to prevent ovulation, however breakthrough ovulation can occur at times. Erik and I have been discussing this topic at length and feel that chemical contraceptives can induce abortion, and that God spoke to me about this convicting me on the matter, but that barrier methods (condom and diaphragm) of contraceptives would not induce abortion.
I know where you're coming from about the easiness of the pill. I have an IUD (which is the worst as far as abortifacient properties) however I have no period at all - rock on!! So while this will be harder without it, I want to follow God's call.
Honestly, after God spoke to me and I researched this I started crying thinking that I had unknowingly caused abortions. There's so much we don't know.
I believe that God uses different people in different ways, and has plans for all types of people. From single people, to married couples without children, to married couples with tons of kids, people's different life situations allow for different types of service to God.
From 1 Corinthians ch 12:
14Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 16And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 17If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
I know exactly how you felt when you found out what the contraceptives could be doing. The issue was first brought to my attention while discussing abortion with some friends. One of them pointed out that one effect of the pills is preventing implantation and I was just floored! Here I was taking a pro-life stance and suddenly finding out that I may have been unknowingly causing abortions myself!
I shouldn't have put this decision off for as long as I have. I really appreciate this discussion and everyone's comments. It's definitely made the whole issue clearer for me.
I really appreciate the discussion you all are having. One things that stands out, is that everyone is concerned about following God's leading in their lives. :)
I never took the pill; it only worked after fertilization years ago. We use other methods and did have some surprises, but God didn't. And what would we do without all 4 of you now?
I also know people who have gotten pregnant while on a pill. Surprises from God can happen whatever you do.
I don't see any thing in the Bible that says no one should use contraceptives, though; but we must follow Biblical truth in our choices.
Very interesting discussion. I must admit, it's something that I hadn't though of much before. It's very convicting.
I know that some people have asked if people really do get pregnant while on the pill. Yes! Kate and I are a prime example. We were not planning to have kids in the near future, and Kate had been on the pill for a long time. Evidently God had other plans :-) 9 months later, there was Kira. Obviously God knew what he had planned for us, and wasn't going to let a 3 centimeter pill stop him.
On another note, I've often wondered about the story of Onan and Tamar in Genesis 38. I know this is often used as an example of how much God despises contraception (Onan used the "withdrawal" method, and God struck him dead).
I'm far from a Biblical scholar, and I can't really tell specifically what God was most appalled at:
1) He was using Tamar for sex while having hidden motives
2) He practiced a form of contraception
3) He was defying the traditions/expectations of the time (I don't believe this is the case)
4) He was defying God's plan for the family line (I guess this is the same as contraception)
If God killed him because he was practicing contraception (a form which prevents fertilization), then we'd have to assume any form of contraception (condoms, etc) are all wrong.
I guess I'm just left with more questions now... :-(
Great questions and a lot to think about! Mom said she doesn't see anything in the Bible saying that contraceptives are wrong. It also doesn't say abortion is wrong, however we can conclude that it is wrong since murder is wrong in the Bible. If chemical/hormonal contraceptives have a chance of preventing a fertilized egg from implanting then wouldn't they be abortifacients and also be wrong?
Erik and I have discussed this at length and have come to the conclusion that barrier methods (condom and diaphragm) as well as timing methods are acceptable birth control since they do not prevent a fertilized egg from implanting.
Tom - I've heard that story of Onan before cited as a reason to not use any form of contraceptive but I think there was more going on there. That's just my opinion though.
I think many people (myself included) have an incorrect attitude to life as well. I was in my mom's group and heard many of the women saying "I can't wait until my husband has a vasectomy, then we won't have to worry". I thought - is this really what God thinks? That the possibility of having a baby is something to worry about? Of course, that is my attitude too so I shouldn't judge. However I think our country may have backwards opinions on life.
I just read the story of Onan the other night (I've finally gotten down to reading the Bible straight through - just finished Leviticus last night.)
My view of the story is a simple one. Onan directly disobeyed an order to fulfill his duty and was killed as a result. Not because people are supposed to have children, but because Judah told Onan he was to produce children with Tamar to continue his dead brother's line.
As far as contraceptives, right before Lili was conceived, we were not trying to conceive, but rather not trying not to conceive. :) We didn't have in mind that we wanted a child right away, but weren't opposed to the thought that one might come along. When we found out Justin was pregnant, we were thrilled, not because we had been trying, but just because it happened.
Right now, we don't want more kids, so we are using the temporary sterilization method. For us the issue of contraception comes in the way it is used. We're not using it as an excuse for promiscuity, or to deprive one another of children, but on the other hand, we're not perfect.
We're going through a big "what's God's will" dilemma ourselves, so perhaps we should add this issue to our prayers.
I've been reading a bunch on contraceptives trying to get a clear answer on the issue of the abortifacient effects of those meds. There are a couple things I'd like to say:
1. As far as I can tell, we can't define exactly how the OCPs work. We know the basics, for example that combination OCPs decrease ovulation by 95-97%. However, the pills are more effective at preventing pregnancy than is accounted for by the the ovulation reduction. The proposed additional effects include fertilization prevention (i.e. cervical mucous thickening) and implantation prevention. Both MAY happen. I can't tell you which is more likely, as there is no way I can imagine to actually define what is happening. Think about it. As far as I can tell, anyone who thinks they know for certain if the pills are abortifacients is wrong.
2. Pro-Life sites have an agenda. That may seem obvious, but what it means is that you have to be critical about what you read on many of their sites. I wrote up an example but thought it was confusing. If requested I can post it. However I can tell you that statistics can easily be manipulated and the Pro-Life groups are just as guilty as anyone.
3. At least 30% of pregnancies do not produce a viable child. Sometimes we know about it, and sometimes we don't. Why are that many pregnancies unsuccessful? In the vast majority of cases, there is a genetic defect that is not compatible with life. I bring this up because if there is a fertilized egg that does not implant, there are reasons beyond simply blaming the OCPs.
4. I don't believe the bible speaks out against contraceptives. God loves human life, but that doesn't mean we should not be intentional about our own individual reproductive tendencies. God gives us a choice, and provides the means with which to make choices. In my view OCPs are one of the ways God has provided.
5. This is an individual choice and each of us have to decide what is right inside of our own marriages. I truly don't believe there is a right or wrong answer.
Thanks David for researching this. You are right that everyone has an agenda, so it can be hard to sift through information to find the truth. You mentioned that the birth control pill decreases ovulation 95-97% of the time. I read also that the mini-pill only decreases it 50% of the time. So I'm wondering if there is a mix of hormones in these pills and each one might be a little different? Even so, it sounds like we really don't know how they work. And even if there is a small chance (as low as 3%) that the pill could cause an abortion of a fertilized egg, I can't take it. I did not know this information until recently so I'm glad I've been researching and learning about it. Also, I do believe God spoke to me about this which is so awesome.
The mini-pill is one of the progesterone only pills and so does allow ovulation more frequently than many of the combination pills.
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