Birth Control
- Does it matter what kind of birth control I use?
- Should Christian parents allow their teenagers to use birth control?
- Is it wrong for a man to have a vasectomy or for a woman to have a tubal ligation?
Does it matter what kind of birth control I use?
Yes, one of the most important things to consider about birth control is its method of prevention. I use the word prevention not to mean that it keeps conception from taking place. Some birth control is abortifacient, i.e. that which induces an abortion. My personal, ethical conclusion is that if birth control is to be used it should be one that keeps the ovum from being fertilized. Once the sperm fertilizes the ovum it produces a unique and separate human being. A chemically induced abortion instead of the abortion of a visible baby constitutes an abortion.
There are those who hold the ethic that no birth control should be used. These people are easy to spot as they usually have ten children. I respect this view, even though I do not personally hold it as my personal ethic.
Should Christian parents allow their teenagers to use birth control?
The logic behind this notion is that the teens are going to have sex anyway, so let them be protected. The problem is that this encourages a greater degree of promiscuity. It can put them in the frame of mind that they are protected and they are in greater danger of getting venereal disease.
The end does not justify the means. The means justifies the end. I would encourage you as a parent to teach about the consequences of having a child as a teen. As you speak with them include pregnancy, venereal diseases, psychological distress in raising a child, the social stigma and the spiritual impact on their life. Instruct your child on how to avoid situations that lead to sex in dating, for example, never being alone on a date or not spending time alone behind closed doors. Many young people feel that they had no option in the decision. The pressure to have sex is tremendous; they should learn to avoid difficult circumstances. Tell them that you disapprove of sex outside of marriage and that you expect them to remain pure. Give them standards about dating and being alone with the opposite sex. I would make it a rule that they must double date. Ensure them you will pray for them and hold them accountable...and then do just that. Teens have a tendency to deal with life by taking the easiest route. If you are there, holding them accountable, you make it more difficult for them to become sexually active. As they reach the age of adulthood they will thank you for your love. Remember that our children don't need another friend, they need a parent.
Is it wrong for a man to have a vasectomy or for a woman to have a tubal ligation?
My personal view is that this is a legitimate method of birth control, because it precludes conception.
One thing to keep in mind, a vasectomy or a tubal ligation is a permanent decision about your fertility. This should be entered into prayerfully. In some cases, there can be a reversal of the vasectomy; nevertheless, this still should not be seen as a temporary decision.