JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

June 1987

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your recent request for information about birth control.

To correctly understand this often-misunderstood subject, we must look to the One who created the human body. The Bible reveals that God holds parents responsible for providing for their children (I Tim. 5:8). A couple should not have more children than they can care for and support in every way in deep concern and love. This, of course, means that each couple will likely need to consider the use of some form of birth control.

A further consideration is the welfare of the mother. A woman's health can be severely affected by having too many children too closely together. Husbands ought to have a proper concern for the health of their wives (Eph. 5:25).

The Bible does not describe the various modern methods of birth control. This is a physical matter, and God expects us to investigate and evaluate the information available and come to a responsible conclusion. It should be noted that some methods are less reliable, some may be permanent, and some may have undesirable side effects. Each couple should take into account their particular circumstances when evaluating which method is best for them.

Several books on the subject of birth control methods are listed in the latest edition of our book THE MISSING DIMENSION IN SEX (pp. 187-188). Included are "The Commonsense Guide to Birth and Babies," by the editors of Time-Life Books (Holt, Rinehart and Winston); "The Ovulation Method of Birth Regulation/The Latest Advances for Achieving or Postponing Pregnancy -- Naturally," by Mercedes Arzu Wilson (Van Nostrand Reinhold Company); "The Complete Handbook of Pregnancy," by George B. Feldman, M.D., with Ann Felshman (G. P. Putnam's Sons, New York); "Enjoy Sex in the Middle Years," by Christine E. Sanford, M.D. (Arco Publishing Inc.); and "Conception, Birth and Contraception -- A Visual Presentation," by Robert J. Demarest (McGraw-Hill Book Co.; it is our understanding that this book is currently out of print, but it can be found in many libraries). These books and others contain information on each type of contraception available today and describe the advantages and disadvantages.

We hope this information is helpful. If you would like to receive a copy of THE MISSING DIMENSION IN SEX, please feel welcome to request it. There is no charge or obligation.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT