Artificial contraception

Religious views

Religions vary widely in their views of the ethics of birth control. The Roman Catholic Church reaffirmed its teachings in 1968 that only natural family planning—methods that involve observing and interpreting signs of fertility to achieve or avoid pregnancy—is permissible. Sociological studies indicate that many self-identified Catholics in developed countries report using birth control methods other than natural family planning. The Greek Orthodox Church admits a possible exception to its traditional teaching forbidding the use of artificial contraception, if used within marriage for certain purposes, including the spacing of births. Among Protestants, there is a wide range of views from supporting none, such as in the Quiverfull movement, to allowing all methods of birth control. Views in Judaism range from the stricter Orthodox sect, which heavily restricts the use of birth control, to the more relaxed Reform sect, which allows most. Hindus may use both natural and modern contraceptives. A common Buddhist view is that preventing conception is acceptable, while intervening after conception has occurred is not. In Islam, contraceptives are allowed if they do not threaten health, although their use is discouraged by some.