Shortly after college, I got a desk job. One day a co-worker walked into my office and sat down. She asked me whether I knew anything about birth control.

“Uh… what do you mean?” 

She was getting married in a month and didn’t want to get pregnant for a couple years, but she was nervous about what kind of birth control to use.

“Aren’t there some kinds that, like, cause an abortion every month? I don’t want anything like that. I want something that doesn’t even let the sperm meet the egg.”

She knew I’d studied Natural Sciences with a thesis on the ethics of cloning. Cloning technology deals with embryos, which many feel are simply little people waiting to grow up. The ethics of cloning has to do with the beginning of personhood, that is, when a new human life begins. This same issue also applies to the ethics of birth control. If a couple feels that life begins at fertilization (when the sperm and egg combine), they may not like the idea of contraception that potentially allows that to happen. 

The science of birth control can be baffling, and the ethics can similarly be overwhelming. It seems like everyone has a different opinion on what methods are right or wrong, and condemnation of other views is rampant. Misinformation is prevalent, further contributing to misunderstanding. It’s no wonder my colleague needed some guidance. 

She’s not alone.

Like many women, she didn’t fully understand what happened inside her every month during her cycle. Many men are clueless in this regard. Since there are so many different birth control products on the market, each working to prevent pregnancy in a different way, choosing one can be difficult.

Anytime people run up against a controversial topic – a moral gray zone – I find it best to simply present all the available information and let each person make an informed decision for themselves. That’s what this book is all about: education. We’ll look at the science behind birth control and explore some of the major moral viewpoints. However, I’ll stop short of recommending a particular method – that’s between each couple and God, based on their individual convictions and beliefs. Whatever your situation, there’s a good method of birth control for you and your spouse (or future spouse). Rest assured that none of the methods in this book cause an abortion, that is, they don’t harm an existing pregnancy. 

This book is geared toward women, since the majority of birth control methods involve their reproductive system, but men should also read this book in its entirety. Birth control and the ethics surrounding reproduction involve both of you. It takes two to tango. If nothing else, most men would benefit from a better understanding of their wife's monthly cycle, which is something that each couple must manage together. After all, your body belongs to the other, and should be lovingly cared for accordingly. 

This book does not replace the advice of your doctor. Birth Control For Christians can help you learn some of the facts surrounding reproduction, and some of the different ethical issues, but it’s not meant to be your only resource. Discuss your birth control goals with your doctor in the privacy and confidentiality of a quiet exam room. Nothing should replace the advice of a licensed physician you trust and respect.

Throughout this book, I encourage you to have an open mind. Share your thoughts with your spouse and try to keep the whole thing light-hearted. Birth control is a serious topic, with implications for everything from reproductive technology to pregnancy terminations to the possibility of human cloning. But most of all, it’s a topic that pertains to a particularly enjoyable act in the context of a loving marriage. Being overly solemn won’t help matters. Whatever you and your spouse choose should be well-understood, easy to use, and (most of all) keep your conscience clear. 

So, without further delay, let’s get into it. 

Enjoy!