Layout 1

Birth Control

Only in the last 50 years has birth

control become legal and widely accessible

in the United States.Figure 6.2 lists the

most commonly used birth control

methods today and their effectiveness.

Each method brings with it risks and side

effects.

Some see artificial birth control as a

violation of God’s command to“be

fruitful,and multiply”(Genesis 1:28);

however,others are quick to point that

God’s call for humanity to fill the earth is

one command we’ve long-since obeyed.

Some Christians are now expressing an

interest in the rediscovery of sex for

procreation without artificially controlling

the outcomes of marital affection.

Notallbirthcontrolmethodsare

artificial,asseeninFigure6.2.Fertility

awareness,ornaturalfamilyplanning,isa

Chapter 6

Figure 6.2

Birth Control Methods and Their Effectiveness

Category

Hormonal

Method % Effective Advantages Disadvantages

Combination

Pills

98% Convenient

Effective

Must be taken on

daily schedule,

regardless of

frequency of

intercourse.

Possible side

effects: dizziness,

nausea,changes

in menstruation,

mood,and

weight.Other

side effects rare.

Injections

(Depo-Provera)

97% One injection

every 3 months.

Possible side

effects: irregular

bleeding,weight

gain,breast

tenderness,

headaches.

Transdermal

Patch

98% New patch is

applied once a

week for 3 weeks.

Patch is not worn

during the fourth

week,and woman

has a menstrual

period.

Similar to oral

contraceptives.