Changes

'''Contraception''' (or '''birth control''') refers to techniques, [[drug]]s, or devices that prevent [[pregnancy|conception]]. There are many different [[Methods of contraception|methods]], each having its own level of effectiveness and safety. The only known method that is 100% effective is [[abstinence]]. [[Abstinence]] during fertile times can take the place of artificial form of birth control. <ref> "When a couple for serious reasons abstain from intercourse at times at which they might conceive, their abstaining is itself chosen sexual behavior, and virtuous sexual behavior because it is expressive of a recognition of the demands of the pro creative good." [http://www.linacre.org/contra.html Linacre.org] </ref>

'''Contraception''' (or '''birth control''') refers to techniques, [[drug]]s, or devices that prevent [[pregnancy|conception]]. There are many different [[Methods of contraception|methods]], each having its own level of effectiveness and safety. The only known method that is 100% effective is [[abstinence]]. [[Abstinence]] during fertile times can take the place of artificial form of birth control. <ref> "When a couple for serious reasons abstain from intercourse at times at which they might conceive, their abstaining is itself chosen sexual behavior, and virtuous sexual behavior because it is expressive of a recognition of the demands of the pro creative good." [http://www.linacre.org/contra.html Linacre.org] </ref>

==Catholic teachings on contraception==

==Catholic teachings on contraception==

The [[Roman Catholic church]] prohibits the use of artificial contraceptives such as pills or barriers to Catholics, though it supports natural methods of avoiding conception based on timing. The policy on contraception is given in the [[Humanae Vitae]].

The [[Roman Catholic church]] prohibits the use of artificial contraceptives such as pills or barriers to Catholics, though it supports natural methods of avoiding conception based on timing. The policy on contraception is given in the [[Humanae Vitae]].

*The Church does not teach that in engaging in intercourse one has to be acting with a view to procreating, an objective one could realistically have in mind only when one was fertile. What she teaches is that sexual intercourse will not make for an authentic unity of two-in-one-flesh if those engaging in it set out to negate its built-in significance as generative/procreation behavior. <ref>[http://www.linacre.org/contra.html Linacre.org]</ref>

*The Church does not teach that in engaging in intercourse has to be acting with an intention for procreation, an objective one could realistically have in mind only when one was fertile. What they teach is that sexual intercourse will not make for an authentic unity of two-in-one-flesh if those engaging in it set out to negate its built-in significance as generative/procreation behavior. <ref>[http://www.linacre.org/contra.html Linacre.org]</ref>

*The Vatican observes that the only morally sound method of birth control is avoiding sex when the woman is fertile.  In contrast, "'every action which, whether in anticipation of the conjugal act, or in its accomplishment, or in the development of its natural consequences, proposes, whether as an end or as a means, to render procreation impossible' is intrinsically evil."<ref>[http://www.vatican.va/archive/catechism/p3s2c2a6.htm#III]</ref>

*The Vatican observes that the only morally sound method of birth control is avoiding sex when the woman is fertile.  In contrast, "'every action which, whether in anticipation of the conjugal act, or in its accomplishment, or in the development of its natural consequences, proposes, whether as an end or as a means, to render procreation impossible' is intrinsically evil."<ref>[http://www.vatican.va/archive/catechism/p3s2c2a6.htm#III]</ref>