Fertility Control Policy
1. We affirm that all human life is sacred and life begins at the moment of conception when a human egg is fertilised. Consequently, any intentional human action which prevents an embryo from developing to delivery is considered a termination of human life in violation of Scripture. Thus we take a firm stand against all forms of abortion, embryonic stem cell research, as well as assisted reproductive methods which directly or indirectly involve the destruction of human embryos.
2. We are of the view that Scripture does not prohibit the intentional prevention of pregnancy in sexual relations between husband and wife.
3. We classify fertility control methods into 5 categories:
a. Natural
b. Barrier
c. Preventing ovulation or fertilization from occurring by hormones or intrauterine devices
d. Preventing implantation of embryo in the uterine lining by hormones or intrauterine devices
e. Destruction of implanted embryo or foetus by hormonal or other means.
4. We affirm as scriptural all fertility control methods which are based on (a), (b) and (c) above.
5. We reject all fertility control methods that work by destroying an already implanted embryo (e) or a foetus by any means. This would include the use of RU-486 (mifepristone).
6. We reject any fertility control method which would have the effect of preventing an embryo from being implanted in the uterus lining (d), as this would lead to the inevitable death of the embryo. We acknowledge, however, that with intrauterine devices and most forms of hormonal contraception, the current state of medical knowledge does not allow us to draw firm conclusions on whether they work by preventing the implantation of the embryo in the uterus lining, or by other means. In this regard, we note that even among pro-life members of the scientific and medical community, there is a diversity of views on this issue*.
7. Accordingly, our position is that all married couples and those planning to get married should be informed about this possibility, and they should prayerfully make their own judgments on the use of such forms of contraception. We also affirm that should scientific advances provide evidence that any form of fertility control is likely to prevent implantation of the embryo, we will revise our position and consider all such of forms of fertility control as violating the sanctity of human life.
COUNCIL
BRIGHTON COMMUNITY CHURCH
Sep 2009