What Do Religions Say About Birth Control and Family Planning?

For many people, religion plays a significant role in influencing decisions about birth control use. The knowledge of contraception has been accounted for since early times. Early Islamic medical texts, ancient Jewish sources, and sacred Hindu scriptures all mention that herbal contraceptives could induce temporary sterility. Religious views on birth control vary widely, and even those religions that seem to be the most opposed to birth control have traditions that allow the use of contraceptives. How do certain religions view the issues of procreation and birth control? Family planning is embraced by religions across the spectrum as a moral good, a responsible choice, and a basic human right. The world’s religions recognize that family planning helps build strong families, protect the health of women and children, reduce child and spousal abuse, and prevent unintended pregnancies.