Contraception: Biblical Perspectives and Christian Considerations on Birth Control

Contraception encompasses various methods and practices designed to prevent conception and pregnancy during sexual intercourse between males and females, except when planning for children. The reliability and permanency of these methods vary significantly, ranging from temporary barrier methods to permanent surgical procedures.

What Does the Bible Say About Birth Control?

During biblical times, modern medical contraception remained unknown, resulting in the Bible neither explicitly condoning nor condemning the practice. The only scriptural passage that remotely addresses birth control involves God's severe judgment against Onan, who selfishly avoided fathering children for his deceased brother's family as required by prevailing law (Gen 38:6-10; Deut 25:5-10). Although Onan fulfilled his obligation to marry Tamar, he wrongfully withdrew during intercourse to prevent conception. His judgment stemmed from selfish motivation—using Tamar for pleasure while neglecting his duty—rather than the act of contraception itself.

Children as God's Blessing: A Christian View of Family Planning

Throughout Scripture, children consistently appear as divine gifts and blessings from God—a heritage from the Lord (Gen 4:1, 30:23, 33:5; Ps 127:3-5; Lk 1:25). While barrenness carried cultural stigma in biblical times, modern Christian couples must prayerfully consider family planning as a personal conviction matter. The decision regarding children and family size remains between each couple and God, guided by biblical principles and wisdom.

Some factors to be aware of:

Christian Ethical Framework. From a biblical perspective, contraception must prevent fertilization—the union of egg and sperm—as these reproductive cells individually lack reproduction capability yet possess potential to develop into persons through their normal biological union. The female eggs and male sperm represent God-given aspects of healthy human bodies, designed for bringing children into the world.

The Abortion Distinction. Abortion differs fundamentally from contraception as it involves terminating existing life, however small. Though legal in many countries, abortion constitutes murder in God's eyes—the unlawful taking of life (Ex 20:13). Biblical teaching affirms that life begins at conception, making abortion incompatible with Christian ethics regardless of legal status or cultural acceptance.

Medical and Moral Considerations. Christian couples navigating contraception options must consider both medical effectiveness and moral implications. Methods that prevent fertilization align with biblical principles, while those potentially destroying fertilized embryos raise serious ethical concerns. Prayerful discernment and medical guidance should inform contraceptive choices within marriage.

Practical Application for Christian Couples

•  How does understanding children as God's blessing influence your perspective on family planning and contraception?
•  What biblical principles should guide Christian couples in making contraceptive decisions?
•  How can couples balance responsible stewardship of resources with openness to God's gift of children?
•  What role should medical wisdom and ethical discernment play in contraceptive choices?

See also: abortion, children, conception, family planning, pregnant.