6 FAMILY PLANNING METHODS FOR MARITAL COUPLES TO CONSIDER
Introduction
Deborah and her husband, Elias held beliefs against engaging in family planning, believing that engaging in such is purely against the will of God and it’s also a way of interfering with the natural course of conception as designed by God.
As time passed, Deborah got pregnant with their first child, and the child was welcomed with open arms with a strong belief that each child was a gift from above. However, as the family grew in size, responsibilities increased and both of them found themselves overwhelmed.
One day, Elias fell ill, and they could not afford medical expenses even though both worked in good organizations. They were soon to realize that their refusal of family planning was not a sign of faithfulness but purely a misunderstanding of God’s intentions. Both learned through this trying time and realized that God had given them the ability to make responsible choices for their family’s well-being.
With newly discovered knowledge, Deborah and Elias learned about different family planning methods that aligned with their faith and values after the birth of their fifth child. And together, they agreed to embrace the natural family planning method, trusting in God’s wisdom and guidance. As they implemented this new approach, they were able to decide if they would need another child or simply put a stop to it. However, both decided to put a stop to conception as they already had five glorious children.
Family Planning is not a sign of weakness and engaging in family planning as a couple does not necessarily make you tamper with God’s plans for childbearing. It’s a conscious decision and action you can embrace as couples to control the number, the timing, and the spacing of pregnancies. God has given us wisdom so we can make decisions and choices at some crucial moments of our lives. I have once heard of a couple whose belief about family planning differs. The husband wants children as much as the wife can bear them while the wife doesn’t want more than three children. Oftentimes, some women go behind their husbands to fix barriers to pregnancy while the man keeps thinking pregnancy is not forthcoming for natural reasons. Also, some women believe that family planning often comes with threats to health and it’s not even advisable as a Christian to try it.
After my first child, I agreed with my husband to wait for two more years before I conceive. This decision worked out perfectly, with God’s intervention. Truly, God has commanded that we be fruitful and multiply (Genesis 1:28), however, fruitfulness is not only limited to conception but it spreads across other aspects of life. As good as children are and as blessed as any man is, to have them, the wisdom of God is required to have children more conveniently.
This article will consider six different family planning methods Christian Couples can consider, in marriage.
1. Natural Methods
2. Barrier Methods
3. Abstinence and Periodic Methods
4. Hormonal Methods
5. Intrauterine Devices Methods
6. Withdrawal Method
1) The Natural Methods
When I needed to hold on after my first child, I asked colleagues at work about the birth control methods I should consider. They couldn’t provide me with the response I needed but referred me to medical personnel. I was presented with several methods of which I found the natural method suitable, at the hospital. The natural method has to do with tracking your natural fertility signals to determine when you are fertile and when you are not. This method encourages the natural biological process. For this method, no injection or medication is required.
It simply deals with your ability to understand your cycle, your ovulation periods, and your dry periods. Mostly, this method allows your spouse to ejaculate inside the vagina when it’s a safe period. However, it’s unadvisable if couples can not sit down to thoroughly track the cycle, with support from medical personnels . Every woman is fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). Therefore, it’s important to know your uniqueness and recognize your natural cycle so that you can easily track the signals, together with your spouse.
2) The Barrier Methods
I have often heard some couples say they prefer the use of this method. This method has to do with the use of condoms and diaphragms which will physically prevent the sperm from reaching the egg. As safe as this period can be, this may not work for everyone because some women might react to the use of condoms and diaphragms due to it’s components. If you desire to embrace this method, it’s required that you receive guidance from a medical personnel to know which is of good quality and which will not affect you.
Also, this decision can not be made solely by you, your spouse needs to be carried along and he must consent to it because some men prefer sex without barriers. The Bible encourages couples not to deprive each other except by mutual consent (1 Corinthians 7:5). Therefore, do not deprive your spouse of his right if he desires sex with you without barriers.
3) The Abstinence and Periodic Abstinence Methods
Practicing self-control is a well-valued virtue in Christianity as self-control is a fruit of the Spirit recognized in the word of God (Galatians 5:22-23). Complete abstinence is a practical and effective way to avoid pregnancy if your spouse consents to it probably due to old age and other health reasons. Periodic Abstinence on the other hand has to do with refraining from sexual activity during fertile periods. This method needs you to really get familiar with your cycle and stay away from sex whenever you are fertile. As you do your calculations, ensure to carry your spouse along and try as much as possible not to deny him access to your body whenever you are infertile.
4) The Hormonal Methods
The hormonal method has to do with altering the balance of a woman’s hormones to prevent ovulation. This method includes; Patches, injections, implants, birth control pills, and so on. This is also an effective method but often questioned by Christians whether it’s ethical. However, the Bible says “blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves (Romans 14:22-23).” God has given us the privilege to make the right choices. If you are in agreement with your spouse over this method, then, it will not affect your home or faith in any way.
5) The Intrauterine Device Method
This method is usually abbreviated as IUDs. This method entails inserting IUDs into the Uterus to prevent pregnancy either through the use of Copper or releasing of hormones to establish an environment where sperm cells find it difficult to survive. As Christians, whatever choices we make must be to glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31). Therefore, if this method does not tamper with your belief and conscience, it can be considered if your partner agrees with you.
6) The Withdrawal Method
The Withdrawal Method can also be considered as one of the effective ways couples can engage in family planning. This has to do with either the use of barriers or the “pulling out” method, where the penis is withdrawn from the vagina before ejaculation to prevent sperm from entering the vagina. This requires a careful approach to it and if your spouse feels he can not handle this method, it’s advisable not to practice it because it requires carefulness and self-control. Not all men will like to embrace this method, however, if this is the best method you feel will be convenient for you, carry your spouse along and agree with him.
In conclusion, family planning is not a way of tampering with God’s plan for conception but a way of applying the wisdom of God when it becomes necessary. It is a deeply personal decision that should be approached with prayer, mutual agreement, understanding, and medical support. Each of these methods presents its advantages and challenges, and as believers, your choice should be guided through the wisdom of God, seeking medical and godly counsel where necessary.
By doing this, you can ensure that your family planning methods align with your faith and honor the sanctity of marriage as commanded by God (Ephesians 5:33). God has given us wisdom, family planning should be practiced when necessary so that you can lead a peaceful and enjoyable life with your spouse and not choke each other with responsibilities of raising much children than you are capable of, getting pregnant when you still have a baby at hand and many more reasons that can result in threats to your healthy living.
