Divergent religious teachings and attitudes about contraception and the regulation of births, and non-religious views.

What this dot point is asking

Edexcel wants you to explain the divergent religious teachings and attitudes about contraception and the regulation of births in Christianity and Islam, the difference between artificial contraception and natural family planning, the reasoning behind the Catholic position (Humanae Vitae), the use of ethical theories such as situation ethics, and non-religious (including Humanist) attitudes. This is part of the relationships and families theme.

What contraception and family planning mean

Family planning is deciding when and how many children to have, and contraception is the methods used to prevent pregnancy.

Couples may want to plan their family for many reasons: to space out children, to protect the mother's health, for financial reasons or to provide well for the children they already have, or because they do not want children at a particular time. Religions agree that responsible parenthood matters, but they diverge on whether artificial contraception is acceptable.

Divergent religious attitudes

The Catholic reasoning is that sex has two purposes, to express love (unitive) and to create life (procreative), which should not be separated, so deliberately blocking conception is seen as against the natural purpose of sex and God's design. Protestants who allow contraception argue that responsible planning is loving and wise, helping couples care well for their families, and that the Bible does not forbid it. In Islam, many scholars permit contraception within marriage by mutual agreement, citing traditions where the Prophet's companions practised a form of birth control (referenced in Sahih al-Bukhari), though some Muslims are cautious and emphasise having children. So attitudes range from the Catholic prohibition of artificial methods to broad acceptance among Protestants, many Muslims and non-religious people.

Ethical theories and non-religious views

Some Christians apply situation ethics, which judges each situation by what is the most loving thing to do rather than by fixed rules. On this view, contraception can be the caring and responsible choice, for example to protect a mother's health or to avoid bringing a child into hardship. Non-religious people, including Humanists, generally accept contraception as sensible and beneficial, valuing the ability to plan families, protect health and reduce unwanted pregnancies, and they see it as a matter of personal choice and wellbeing.

For the exam, attribute views carefully (Catholic prohibition of artificial methods, Protestant and many Muslim acceptance, Humanist support), explain the reasoning (openness to life versus responsible planning), and use ethical theory accurately. Link contraception to the purpose of families and to matters of life and death, since beliefs about the value of life shape these views. A strong Evaluate answer weighs the principle that sex should be open to life against the case for responsible, loving family planning, reaching a justified conclusion.