Birth control


Birth control is any method, technique, practice, device, or drug which is
used to reduce the probability of pregnancy or to end an unwanted pregnancy.
The term family planning is sometimes also used, especially when referring
to the thoughtful and premeditated selection of a birth control technique.

When pregnancy is not desired, either at least one of the participants must
be sterile, sexual intercourse must be avoided, or contraception must be
used prior to conception.

Contraception (even vasectomy) is not always 100% effective. More generally,
in sexual behavior contact of semen with the vagina should be avoided. For
example, partners can restrict themselves to masturbation, oral sex, etc.,
but they should not forget to keep not only the penis but also the sperm
away from the vagina. Abstinence is sometimes called the only 'sure' way to
avoid pregnancy. If perfectly adhered to, it is. However, some who
habitually rely on it as their primary protection may cease to abstain and
thereby incur the risk of pregnancy.

Condoms and herbal birthcontrol methods existed before the modern era. The
herbal methods were of various effectiveness, and were available in China
and Europe.

Religious and cultural attitudes to birth control

The official position of the Catholic Church regarding birth control is
expressed very clearly in Pope Pius XI's encyclical entitled Casti Connubii.
It was written in response to the Episcopalian approval of artificial means
of contraception when used in cases of grave necessity.

     Since, therefore, openly departing from the uninterrupted Christian
     tradition some recently have judged it possible solemnly to declare
     another doctrine regarding this question, the Catholic Church, ... in
     order that she may preserve the chastity of the nuptial union from
     being defiled by this foul stain, ... proclaims anew: any use
     whatsoever of matrimony exercised in such a way that the act is
     deliberately frustrated in its natural power to generate life is an
     offense against the law of God and of nature, and those who indulge in
     such are branded with the guilt of a grave sin.

In 1968 Pope Paul VI released a document called Humanae Vitae, which again
forbade chemical and barrier methods but suggested natural methods such as
the rhythm method or natural family planning might be considered in cases of
necessity. The public response to this suggestion was immediate and
overwhelming. There is dissent however. Some priests and theologians accept
only abstinence as moral and there are also those who assert abstinence
within a marriage can be immoral.

Couples seeking marriage in the Catholic Church are required to undergo
counseling by a Catholic priest. In the past priests led couples seeking to
delay children to rhythm, today they are instructed to point new couples
toward the more effective natural family planning.