A Time for Introspection - What Do World Religions Say About Birth Control and Family Planning?

This is a very holy time of year for certain religious groups. Yesterday marked the beginning of the Muslim Fast of Ramadan. Until October 12, Muslims participate in this fast during the daylight hours, and may eat small meals and visit with friends and family in the evening. It is a time of worship and contemplation, and a time to strengthen family and community ties. Additionally, today marks the end of the Jewish holiday Rosh Hashanah, one of the holiest days of the year. Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, and begins the ten day period of what is known as the Days of Awe or the Days of Repentance. Jewish people use this time for introspection, looking back at the mistakes of the past year and planning for changes to during the new year, and this all culminates on Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). On this important and holy day, Jewish people atone for the sins of the past year and will refrain from eating, working, or engaging in other pleasurable activities. Tomorrow is the beginning of the ten day Hindu festival of Ganesh Chaturthi, celebrated in the states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh and many other parts of India. Ganesh, the elephant-headed son of Shiva and Parvati, is worshipped as the supreme god of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune. Ganesha statues are carried throughout the town on decorated floats, and thousands of processions converge on the beaches to immerse these holy idols into the sea at the end of the ten days.

Religion is a personal choice and, luckily, a personal freedom that all Americans share. For many people, religion plays an integral role in influencing decisions about birth control use. Early Islamic medical texts, ancient Jewish sources, and sacred Hindu scriptures all make reference to contraceptives. Religious views on birth control vary widely, yet many recognize that family planning helps build strong families, protect the health of women and children, and prevent unwanted pregnancies.

• What World Religions Say About Birth Control and Family Planning

Word Religions Photo (C) 2007 Nyo/CC Attribution 2.0