Does the Birth Control Pill Cause Abortions?
Randy Alcorn

Approaching this question objectively is difficult. Some believers want a simple and effective way to avoid having children, while others think that avoiding children is shirking responsibility (and blessing). The author of this book was skeptical when he heard the suggestion that birth control pills can cause abortions. He and his wife had used the pill. As a pastor and counselor, he had recommend the pill to young couples. However, after careful study of medical journals, pro-abortion sources, and pill manufacturers themselves, he was able to present strong evidence that birth control pills or "combination oral contraceptives" can contribute to the death of an unborn child.

Do BCPs always cause abortions? No, they apparently work most often by supressing ovulation. They do not always work in this way, however, since some women conceive while using the pill. These hormonal drugs also make changes to a woman's uterine lining, reducing its capability to support a conceived child. How often does this happen? No one can know for sure. But the fact that it is possible, and the fact that medical books and journals include it as a method of action for the pill, should keep this "contraceptive" out of the lives of disciples of Christ.

The case of Terri Schivao in Florida has added another perspective to this matter for me. Terri is unable to feed herself. Those around her have removed her source of nutrition. This action did not kill her directly, but she will die if it does not change. A newly-conceived child cannot feed himself. He needs the nutrition of his mother's womb. If a drug or device (such as the IUD) takes away that source of nutrition, it will not kill the child directly. The child will die, however, if the situation does not change.

If the Lord gives me a wife, I look forward to raising faithful children for his glory. I don't want to use BCPs anyway because I want many children! Believers need to consider this matter, examine their hearts, and make a decision for life.

This book is available in a printed edition, but you may also access it for free on-line in PDF and HTML forms.

(Eternal Perspective Ministries, 6th edition revised 2002)