Contraception

Contraception (Lat. against conception) generally refers to devices or substances that prevent pregnancy (birth control). There are many different methods, each having its own level of effectiveness and safety. Abstinence, of course, obviates the need for any form of birth control.

Although some believe that contraception should be a part of education to minimize unwanted pregnancies and the contraction of HIV AIDS, the reality remains that contraception encourages sexual behavior and promiscuity^{[Citation Needed]}. Those who choose to have more than one sexual partner do so at their own risk and, in a sense, bring the burdens of disease and unwanted pregnancy on themselves. Therefore education and encouragement of contraceptive devices is not useful.

Church teachings on contraception

The Roman Catholic church teaches that all recreational intercourse (serving no procreational function) is a sin against God and therefore prohibits the use of contraceptives to Catholics.

The Anglican church regards sexual love as an essential way for a husband and wife to express and strengthen their mutual love, citing Genesis 2:18 'It is not good that the man (Adam) should be alone' in support of this. At the Lambeth Conference of 1930 a resolution was passed stating: Where there is a clearly felt moral obligation to limit or avoid parenthood, complete abstinence is the primary and obvious method. It continued by saying that if there was morally sound reasoning for avoiding abstinence, the Conference agrees that other methods may be used, provided that this is done in the light of Christian principles.

However, by the Lambeth Conference of 1958, contraceptive use among most Anglicans was widespread and a resolution that year stated that the responsibility for deciding upon the number and frequency of children was laid by God upon the consciences of parents in such ways as are acceptable to husband and wife.