1. CHRISTIAN ATTITUDES TO CONTRACEPTION  They prevent people fulfilling God’s command to ‘Be fruitful and multiply’ Genesis 1:28  The purpose of marriage is to have children.  Sex was given by God for procreation and so should always allow for the possibility of conception.  Contraception has allowed promiscuity and promiscuity spreads sexually transmitted diseases. These Christians believe they should only use natural contraception, planning their sexual intercourse around the woman’s menstrual cycle. Many Roman Catholic and Conservative Christians are opposed to contraception because they believe that every act of sexual intercourse should be open to the possibility of conception, they are against artificial contraception e.g. condoms, the pill, the coil etc. because:

2. Some Christians choose to use contraception because:  T hey consider themselves too young or too old to have a child.  becoming pregnant would be harmful to the health of the mother.  they feel their lifestyle would not be compatible with having a child.  they feel unable to provide financially or emotionally for a child.  many Protestant churches support the use of contraception.  they want to avoid spreading sexually- transmitted diseases.  one or both partners carry a genetically inherited condition. CHRISTIAN ATTITUDES TO CONTRACEPTION

3. MUSLIM ATTITUDES TO CONTRACEPTION Some Muslims are opposed to contraception because:  Contraception can lead to promiscuity and adultery  Children are a gift from God.  The coil and morning after pill cause a very early abortion.  Contraception may prevent a woman from having sexual fulfilment  The Qur’an states: ‘You should not kill your children for fear of want’ (17:31, 6:151)

4. Some Muslims are in favour of contraception because:  It is permissible if the mother’s life or health would be in danger if she became pregnant.  It can be used only for the well being of the couple or the rest of the family.  The right to use contraception frees women from male domination  Contraception makes a woman more attractive to her husband. MUSLIM ATTITUDES TO CONTRACEPTION