Does the birth control pill cause abortions?
Many Christians, including myself, are against all forms of abortion. Christians have been historically pro-life, and rightly so. However, when it comes to birth control, it seems like this is a gray area for many believers. What do you think? Is there a difference between a mother going to the doctor for an abortion during the early stages of pregnancy or taking a pill that prevents an embryo from being fertilized? What should the churches stance on birth control be? I would love to hear your responses before giving my opinion on the matter. Also if you have some free time, then skim through this book on the matter of birth control written by Randy Alcorn (click name to read).
I think you intended to say "embryo implanted" because an egg is by definition not an embryo until fertilization. Just a point of clarification.
ReplyDeleteI think this is an excellent question and one I started considering before getting married. It should give Christians pause when considering birth control ( more accurately "conception control") methods.
I have had the conversation with Christian friends who were fine with it because their doctor told them the pill makes conception/fertilization rare/not likely.
You are one BRAVE man, Andrew!
ReplyDeleteI stay away from this topic because it can get far more heated than talking about music in corporate worship!! :-)
Fortunately, this is one area where being single, I don't have to personally face a question of this magnitude. However, I think one aspect to consider is the heart attitude of the couple. Are they using contraception to help disguise sinful behavior, such as sex outside of wedlock? Or, are they trying to enjoy their spousal "obligations" while trying to be financially responsible?
The main thing I think contraception does, however, is minimize our trust in God. Do we trust Him to allow a pregnancy to begin with our sexual behavior despite whatever economic/logistical hardships it may cause? Using contraception may not be sinful, but it may indicate a weak faith.
Just my $0.02.
Tim.
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ReplyDeleteAndrew,
ReplyDeleteThis is a topic which has resulted in many heated discussions both within and outside of the faith, which knowing you is probably the reason you have brought it up.
You may be aware of the churches teachings banning contraception as well as abortion, but what may be revelatory to you is that this was the case in all churches prior to the 1940s. You see, contraception only came into widespread use in 1960s with legal abortion following soon after. The idea that a pregnancy could be avoided with "medical" treatment led to the conclusion that the failure of that treatment could be remedied with an actual procedure resulting in abortion of the child. The concept of chemical anti-contraceptive (not abortifacient) actually causing abortion or infant death seems weak, however I believe that as long as contraceptives are legally available abortion cannot be made illegal. The ability to prevent pregnancy, when carried to it's logical conclusion, determines that ending accidental pregnancies must be allowed.
I realize that this is only opinion, but that is what you asked for.