Family Planning: Making Informed Decisions for Your Family's Future

Family planning involves making intentional decisions about the number and spacing of children within a family unit. It encompasses a thoughtful consideration of various factors that influence reproductive choices, including financial stability, living conditions, career aspirations, and any physical or health-related circumstances. While each family's unique desires and circumstances may differ, the fundamental principle remains that both husband and wife should be in mutual agreement regarding these important decisions that shape their family's future.

Medical Options and Ethical Considerations

The numerous medical options that are available to either prevent or encourage pregnancy are of themselves neutral and not sinful. These include various contraceptive methods, fertility treatments, and natural family planning techniques. Each couple must prayerfully consider which methods align with their values, circumstances, and convictions.

However, abortion (including the morning-after pill) is not a viable option as once fertilization has occurred this results in the death of a (forming) living human being and so is murder which is contrary to the command, "You shall not murder" (Ex 20:13). This position recognizes that human life begins at conception and must be protected from that moment onward.

The Pro-Life Perspective

The pro-life viewpoint is about the value and equality of all human beings, advocating the view that life from the moment of conception should be protected. It maintains each person is special and important to God — made in His image and for Him: preborn, newborn, elderly and those with disabilities and special needs (Gen 1:27; Ps 139:13-16; Jer 1:5; Col 1:16). This stance considers a moral responsibility to protect the weak and innocent and is also in opposed to euthanasia.

Pro-life supporters emphasize that every human life, regardless of its stage of development or perceived "quality," possesses inherent dignity and worth. This perspective is rooted in the biblical understanding that all people are created in the image of God (imago Dei) and therefore deserve respect, protection, and care from conception until natural death.

The Pro-Choice Position

Pro-choice is the opposite viewpoint, having the belief that every woman has the legal right to abort her unborn child at any point in the pregnancy. They consider it a personal decision and should not be limited by the government or anyone else. This perspective emphasizes individual autonomy and reproductive freedom, arguing that a woman should have control over her own body and reproductive choices.

Pro-choice advocates often frame their position in terms of women's rights, healthcare access, and the importance of keeping such decisions private between a woman and her healthcare provider. They argue that restricting access to abortion can lead to dangerous, illegal procedures and that complex personal circumstances should be respected rather than judged by external parties.

Reflection & Application:

Consider how you can support families facing difficult reproductive decisions with compassion and truth.
Reflect on your own beliefs about the sanctity of human life and how they align with biblical teaching.
Think about ways to advocate for and support vulnerable lives, including the unborn, the elderly, and those with disabilities.
Pray for wisdom and discernment as you engage with these important issues in your community and sphere of influence.

See also: abortion, children, conception, contraception.