Planned Parenthood
Planned Parenthood
INTRODUCTION Some may ask: Why discuss so delicate, intimate and personal a problem as this ?
There are several answers to this question, and the most common one is the alarming population explosion in the world today.
It is a very popular subject in magazines both religious and secular and we ought to have some knowledge of Bible teaching on this particular subject.
It is difficult to discuss this in a mixed audience; we must learn to be frank but extremely cautious in our phrases and terms.
THE MEANING OF PLANNED PARENTHOOD
It means the voluntary limitation of possible offspring by the use of artificial means generally called contraceptives of various types including pills.
Parents must be impressed with the basic purpose of marriage-procreation and continuance of the human race: "Be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth. "
Some men consider woman simply as a baby machine" without due consideration of her health, physical or mental; Christian men are very considerate.
Planned parenthood is an intelligent approach to a major family problem today.
REASONS IN FAVOUR OF PLANNED PARENTHOOD
To prevent unnecessary or premature deaths (deaths to mothers with serious ailments).
To give wives sufficient time for a complete rest between pregnancies.
To prevent high death rate among babies (well spaced babies are stronger).
To prevent the transmission of communicable diseases from parent to child.
To reduce the number of children born with inheritable diseases (feebleminded, etc.).
Society may demand the curtailment of families if parents are on public relief.
To curtail world population explosion. (Previously these were controlled by diseases, famines, plagues, war and pestilences.)
Planned parenthood is not a device to protect the immoral, or the social parasites or those too lazy or too selfish to raise a family.
METHODS OF PLANNED PARENTHOOD
Historical research says that birth control has been practiced more than 2,000 years.
Infanticide-the killing or abandoning of the newborn infant (outlawed today).
Sterilization--a process (generally through surgery) to render a person unproductive.
Coitus interruptus- Genesis 38:9; this practice is abnormal and leads to frustration.
Abstinence-the voluntary or partial abstaining from all sexual intercourse for a time.
Abortion-the termination (generally medically or surgically) of a pregnancy , generally before the expiration of the seventh month.
Rhythm method-having intercourse during a woman’s sterile time in the menstrual cycle.
Contraceptives or artificial means.
THE CATHOLIC POSITION ON PLANNED PARENTHOOD
The sexual function has only one purpose-the propagation of the human race.
Birth control by artificial means is directly opposed to the laws of nature.
Birth control exerts an evil influence on morality and religion.
Pope Pius XI called birth control a horrible crime and vicious.
Birth control destroys the difference between prostitutes and respectable women.
Birth control leads to infidelity by destroying self-restraint and self-discipline.
Birth control is a refusal to co-operate with God in His production plans.
Birth control leads to selfishness by substituting personal pleasure for God’s will.
Birth control is a crime and no excuse is acceptable; it is intrinsically evil.
THE BIBLE TEACHING ON BIRTH CONTROL
A true Christian yields all (including sex) to the Lord, seeking His will alone.
Theologians have argued the question for generations and have differed widely. The answer may vary from person to person or situation to circumstance. The Bible is surprisingly silent on this major problem; God is both the author and preserver of life; if He gives life, He can easily care for it.
Life and human personalities are exceedingly precious to the Lord. The Bible does not command marriage for all or set the number of children per family.
Genesis 38:9-10, is a condemnation of the refusal to raise children for a brother rather than a condemnation of a form of birth control.
Genesis 1:28, doesn’t apply now for the world is well populated.
Romans 1:24-28. is dealing with homosexuality and not with birth control.
Psalms 128:3; Psalms 127:3-5, would certainly encourage large families.
MARRIAGE AND ITS PURPOSE
Marriage is honourable (Hebrews 13:4) and all transgressions are violations of God’s laws.
Man was created in the image of God to operate not by instinct but by intelligence, emotion and will. Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Ephesians 6:4; Genesis 1:27.
God is the author of marriage for both companionship and procreation.
BASIC QUESTIONS ON PLANNED PARENTHOOD
Can planned parenthood ever be considered right and permissible for Christians, or is it basically wrong and immoral?
Birth control is not a violation of God’s creation order; nowhere in the Bible is birth control forbidden; sexual intercourse is not limited to procreation. 1 Corinthians 7:3 to 1 Corinthians 5:9, permits coitus as the highest possible expression of physical love.
May Christians voluntarily limit the number of children?
The Bible does not hint as to the desirable number of children per family; parents must never use their liberty for selfish purposes or as irresponsible license.
When and under what circumstances are parents free to use contraceptives?
Circumstances and conditions may vary from case to case; parents may need to consult the family physician, pastor, psychologist or psychiatrist to get the best possible answer.
Do the principles applicable to the use of contraceptives also apply to abortion? An emphatic NO. for abortion is a form of murder. the termination of a life.
Catholic Theologians and some Protestants recommend either abstinence or the rhythm method. Are these sufficient?
Abstinence is either partial or complete cessation from sexual intercourse. Paul in 1 Corinthians 7:7
Recognizes this as difficult and only to be temporary.
The rhythm method is far from foolproof for the mathematics are difficult to determine, for some women actually never have a period that is absolutely sterile or safe.
May parents before marriage determine the number of children? (say 2 or 4) No, for this would presumptuously seize the prerogatives of the Lord Himself. God could punish such a couple with childlessness or by taking some of the children early in life; no couple have sufficient knowledge to make this decision which is sealed in the sovereignty of Almighty God.
If birth control becomes acceptable will not the evil and unmarried take advantage of it to satisfy their own lusts and passion?
There are always people who will turn liberty into license; the abuse of a good thing does not vitiate its proper use.
Will an acceptance of contraceptives not give an acceptance to immorality, too?
No, for Christians are guided by the principles of Scripture and not by fear or changing social codes of behaviour; we act on the basis of God’s Word.
Would birth control lead to race suicide and economic disaster?
Yes, if carried to ridiculous extremes but certainly not if followed in moderation.
What advice do you haw for Christian couples who feel that it is NOT morally right to practice birth control?
By all means avoid it; do not act contrary to your conscience- Romans 14:23.
CONCLUSION Marriage is a divine ordinance, a precious gift to mankind from the Creator. The precious gifts of marriage, sex and children belong to the home.
Home is a relationship where parents are respected and honoured and children are wanted and loved; a Christian home is one permeated with Divine love. This kind of home does not grow by itself. It requires effort and co-operation - between husband, mother and each child.
Happy is the home where no contraceptives are used, but if they must be used for medical reasons let it be with extreme care and moderation.
(Much of this material is outlined from the book on Birth Control by A. M. Rehwin a Concordia [Lutheran] publication).
REVIEW QUESTIONS
Give the meaning of planned parenthood.
List 7 reasons in favour of planned parenthood.
Name 7 methods of planned parenthood.
What is the Catholic position on birth control?
Does Genesis 38:9-10 teach that birth control is wrong? Explain.
Do you feel that Genesis 1:28 is applicable today? Why?
Is birth control a violation of Scripture? Proof?
Is birth control justifiable on economic grounds? Why?
Why is it wrong for parents to predetermine the number of children that they will have?
If my conscience says not to use contraceptives and my doctor says to use them what shall I do?