The “morning after pill”, also known as emergency contraception or Plan B, is a medication that can be taken after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. It works primarily by delaying or preventing ovulation. The Bible does not directly address Plan B or other forms of emergency contraception. However, there are some biblical principles that can inform a Christian perspective on this issue:
1. Children are a blessing from God
The Bible consistently presents children as a gift and blessing from God (Psalms 127:3-5, Psalm 139:13-16). God is the author of life, and every human life bears His image and has value (Genesis 1:26-27). Followers of Christ are called to receive children with joy and steward life with care.
2. Life begins at conception
Several biblical passages suggest that life begins at conception (Jeremiah 1:5, Psalm 51:5, Psalm 139:13-16). If life begins at conception, then any intervention that prevents implantation could be considered ending a human life, which would be morally problematic from a biblical perspective. However, there are differing viewpoints on when life begins even among Christians.
3. God calls us to make wise and moral choices
The Bible emphasizes wisdom, discernment and living according to God’s moral law (Proverbs 1:7, Micah 6:8, James 1:5). Followers of Christ are called to make wise decisions, which requires carefully considering the moral and ethical dimensions of significant choices. Using Plan B requires weighing factors like when life begins, stewarding sexuality, and protecting life.
4. God offers redemption and forgiveness
The Bible teaches that all people are in need of God’s redemption and forgiveness because all fall short of His perfect standards (Romans 3:23). Jesus Christ came to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). God can redeem even the most difficult situations for good (Genesis 50:20). If someone uses Plan B, they can receive God’s redemption, forgiveness and healing through Christ.
5. The Bible calls for compassion
Jesus consistently modeled compassion, even in situations involving serious sin (John 8:1-11). The Bible encourages believers to treat others with love, grace and compassion, rather than condemnation (Ephesians 4:32, Jude 1:22-23). Christians are called to approach issues like Plan B with humility, sensitivity and compassion.
In summary, the Bible does not explicitly prohibit or condone Plan B or emergency contraception. Sincere Christians differ on whether these medications are ethically acceptable. Each person must become informed about what Plan B is and carefully consider their own biblical convictions and motives in making a decision. This decision is ultimately between them and God. If Plan B is used, God offers redemption and forgiveness to all who repent and believe in Jesus Christ. As Christ-followers, we are called to treat all people with humility, wisdom and compassion.
Some key Bible verses about related topics:
Children as a blessing:
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” (Psalm 127:3)
Life beginning at conception:
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you.” (Jeremiah 1:5)
Wisdom and discernment:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5)
Redemption in Christ:
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
Compassion:
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
Some key considerations when thinking about Plan B from a biblical perspective:
– Does using Plan B end a human life? Different Christians have differing views on when life begins.
– What are the motives and heart attitudes behind using or not using Plan B? God cares about our hearts.
– Is using Plan B showing care for life and stewarding sexuality wisely? Does it display discernment?
– Does someone need compassion and God’s redemption, regardless of decisions made? How can the church offer grace?
– How can Christians have this conversation with humility rather than condemnation?
– Are there alternative options that might align better with biblical values of life and wisdom? What would those be?
– How does someone move forward after using Plan B? Can they receive God’s forgiveness and walk in new life in Christ?
In all, Scripture gives principles but does not dictate specifics about Plan B usage. Each Christian must become informed, seek God’s wisdom, and make a personal decision before Him. God offers grace and redemption to all who come to Him in Christ. The church is called to have this discussion with humility, wisdom and compassion.
Addressing key objections or concerns some may have about Plan B from a biblical perspective:
Some express concerns about Plan B promoting sexual immorality. The Bible clearly teaches sex outside of marriage is sinful. But immoral behavior does not justify lack of compassion. Jesus ministered to people in sexual sin without compromising biblical morality (John 4, John 8). Plan B usage can prompt conversation about God’s design for sexuality. It is less about stopping immorality, than offering redemption.
Some believe Plan B should be prohibited because life begins at conception. If it is considered ending life, that is a valid concern. But there is disagreement on when life begins, even among Christians. Biblically,wisdom and conscience should guide decisions here. Those who prohibit Plan B should do so with humility, recognizing God may be calling someone to a different choice.
Some worry widespread Plan B access encourages abortion and devalues life. These concerns are understandable. However, Plan B prevents conception and is not considered an abortifacient. While biblical ethics should shape laws and policies, on personal use of Plan B wisdom, discernment and freedom of conscience are emphasized in Scripture.
Some believe those using Plan B should be denied church leadership or communion. However, the Bible stresses God’s grace to sinners and caution in judgment among believers. Church discipline is for clear, unrepentant, public sin. Private decisions of conscience are between that believer and God. Grace and restoration should mark the church’s response.
Some think the church should not speak on this issue. However, the Bible provides principles for thinking about sexuality, life, wisdom and morality. The church is called to teach biblical truth with humility. We should point people to Christ for redemption. This empowers conscience-guided decisions. Declaring God’s forgiveness and care is the church’s privilege.
The church’s voice on this issue should emphasize wisdom, grace, redemption and the sanctity of conscience before God. Christians should seek humility in disagreements, avoiding dogmatism on unclear issues. Our priority is not moral condemnation but offering God’s compassion and a Savior’s redemptive love to a hurting world.
Addressing other specific issues related to Plan B:
Plan B and rape: There is much biblical concern for those who suffer injustice. If conception occurs through rape, compassion compels considering options like Plan B to prevent further suffering and trauma. Here, consequences arguably justify intervention to stop another offense against someone victimized. The church must show grace and care to those facing such trauma.
Plan B access for minors: Scripture emphasizes parental oversight and authority, but does not dictate specific policies here. Parental notification is reasonable. Yet in abusive or dangerous family situations, the protection of vulnerable youth may necessitate availability without parental consent. Wisdom and discretion are needed by medical providers and counselors.
Legality of Plan B: Christians have liberty of conscience in this decision before God. Biblical principles can inform laws, but humility is required. Reasonable access along with conscience protections seem appropriate based on Scripture. The church’s focus should be on redemption and transformation more than legal coercion.
Men and Plan B decisions: Biblical headship calls men to exercise leadership in a sacrificial and caring way. Men should inform themselves on Plan B and provide wisdom to guide decisions made with their spouse. Yet their authority is not absolute where the Bible does not dictate specifics. Ultimately conscience must guide each individual in areas of ethical uncertainty.
Plan B and personhood: While many Christians believe personhood begins at conception, the Bible does not precisely define this. Genesis 2:7 suggests life begins when God breathes breath into people. Exodus 21:22 describes a fetus differently than a person. There is room for different views among faithful believers regarding when “personhood” begins in biblical interpretation. Christians should discuss this issue with humility and grace.
This covers the key biblical considerations around Plan B usage. In summary, Scripture does not outright prohibit or endorse emergency contraception. God granted wisdom and conscience to guide His people when the Bible does not provide absolute clarity. The church is called to humility on debatable matters and its priority should be extending the redemptive love of Christ to those facing difficult sexual decisions and their consequences.
Some potential alternatives to Plan B that may align with pro-life convictions:
Abstinence: Refraining from sexual intimacy is 100% effective at preventing pregnancy. The Bible prescribes abstinence outside heterosexual marriage. This approach completely aligns with pro-life views that oppose any potential risk of ending life at any stage. However, it may be unrealistic to expect a non-Christian public to share these convictions. And the Bible emphasizes humbly sharing truth, not demanding behaviors.
Natural family planning: Methods like fertility awareness allow couples to time intercourse during infertile periods. This allows family planning while respecting life at all stages. It requires diligence and self-control. For pro-life Christians seeking an ethical option, this can allow wise stewardship of procreation without medications they may consider morally problematic.
Contraceptives: Methods like hormonal birth control or condoms prevent conception if used consistently and correctly. They stop fertilization. Some who view life as beginning at conception may find these morally acceptable even if they oppose what they believe to be abortion-inducing drugs. Abstinence outside heterosexual marriage is the ideal; but within marriage these can allow couples to plan pregnancies without the potential moral concerns of Plan B critics.
Adoption: Carrying an unplanned pregnancy to term and placing the child for adoption is an alternative to abortion that preserves life. It still allows avoiding the burdens of unwanted parenthood through adoption. While challenging emotionally, many pro-life Christians see this as the best option when a life is already conceived, and desire to support adoption choices. If conception has already happened, nurturing that life is paramount.
Support Groups: Many pro-life churches and para-church groups provide counseling and practical support for women to help carry unplanned pregnancies to term. Connecting women to medical care, parenting resources, financial/legal help, childcare, housing, and emotional support are ways the church can present alternatives that align with sanctity of life values. This allows women to choose nurturing life over abortion when conception has occurred.
In cases of rape or incest, pro-life Christians can advocate providing compassionate support, trauma counseling, and practical assistance to victims without compromising convictions. There are biblically grounded alternatives that allow planning families and responding to abuse while still respecting God-given life at all stages, though they require sacrifice. Each seeks to apply principles like the sanctity of life, compassion, redemption, justice, andbiblical sexuality ethics.
Issues for churches and parachurch groups to consider regarding ministry and care for those considering or using emergency contraception:
-Lead with compassion: Those who feel the need to consider emergency contraception are often frightened or suffering. React first with Christ’s gentleness and care.
-Major on the gospel: Present God’s redemption and grace in Christ. Meet spiritual needs before addressing behavioral change.
-Teach biblical truth in its full breadth: Apply all biblical principles like justice, mercy, faithfulness, and value of life. Avoid selectivity that neglects God’s full counsel.
-Call to repentance mildly: Lovingly call people to biblical values. But only God can change hearts. And He resists proud or coercive judgmentalism.
-Offer practical support: Provide financial, medical, legal, childcare assistance to remove pressures toward abortion. Give real alternatives.
-Affirm conscience: Do not impose specific opinions on personal matters of conscience not explicit in scripture. Urge seeking God’s wisdom over and above the church’s.
-Counsel carefully: Explore motivations and circumstances to address root heart issues, not just outward behaviors. Thoughtfully apply biblical principles to real life.
-Stress parental notification: Teen access without parental consent concerning. Advocate authority structures God established, unless dangerous home situations require otherwise.
-Train the church: Equip all believers to respond in a Christ-like way to unplanned pregnancy and those considering emergency contraception.
The church should major on communicating the hope and grace found in Jesus Christ. As the body of Christ, our priority is presenting the gospel and connecting people to God, not just regulating behavior. While gently teaching biblical truth, we must allow the Spirit to convict individuals. Leave room for others to follow Christ’s leading on issues of conscience not clearly defined in scripture, the sanctity of which is a biblical principle in itself. And provide tangible support to remove pressures that make abortion seem necessary. The church’s primary calling is extending transformative redemption through faith in Jesus.
