Another popular form is the IUD there are a few that use hormones locally and one that uses copper to prevent ovulation. There are also a few that use hormone injections that would have the same effect as the pill but need to be done less frequently. There are also some less invasive forms, barrier methods, like condoms which block the sperm from and spermicides which are designed to kill the sperm.

So how do they work?

Again, I am not an expert, but I have learned a fair mount since my first baby was born on this topic and I will leave some links for some experts and places I got my information from at the end. All of the hormonal forms are synthetic forms of the hormones our bodies as females naturally produce that trick our brains into thinking we are producing those hormones, so we actually don't produce them which in turn is supposed to stop our bodies from ovulating. The Copper IUD is designed to prevent the sperm and egg from meeting and is supposed to thus prevent fertilization by creating an unfavorable environment for the sperm. These hormonal methods as well as the Copper IUD have also been found to also thin the lining of the uterus and can ultimately prevent a fertilized egg from implanting. I think this is very important to note because that makes them abortive.

So why should Christian's care?

I think it's important to first establish a biblical view of children and marital privileges to truly understand why this topic matters for Christians. In Genesis we see God giving the command and blessing for husband and wife to, " be fruitful and multiply," Genesis 1:28 NIV. We also see commands for husband and wife to, "become one flesh," Genesis 2: 24-25 NIV, and to, "not depriver one another of sexual relations except to for a time of prayer," 1 Corinthians 7:5 NIV. We also see all throughout the bible God referring to children as a reward some translations say gift and blessing, arrows in the hands of a warrior implying they are a strength and an asset to their parents, Children’s children are a crown to the aged you can't have grandchildren without children. So, if we look at what God's word says about children we see that there is never any mention of burden, expense, or inconvenience that our culture always presents them with but rather that they are a good gift from God to bring blessing and joy to their parents and the world.

So, now that we know how the pill works and we see God's heart for children we can put these two together. Hormonal birth control and the Copper IUD not only are abortive in nature but also don't align with God's heart for children and the family, and I personally believe that if we want to honor God in our bodies as it says in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV then as Christians we shouldn't use these methods. So, what about barrier methods like condoms or Natural Family Planning? I believe these would be acceptable but only when used in accordance with 1 Corinthians 7:5 NIV in that they would be appropriate for a time but only to devote yourselves over more wholly to prayer and that would include over whether or not you should be open to having more children.

If you are still hesitant to be open to God's plan for you and your family, I understand that I was there and I understand the fear, we used birth control for three years before our daughter and were back on it again for a month or so after she was born until my friend brought some of this to my attention in 2022 but consider a few more things. First, you aren't guaranteed fertility, by this I mean I currently know 5 women who either were open to having children  or preventing for a little while in the beginning of their marriages and they were unable to conceive for no explainable reason, it took significantly longer than they expected or were diagnosed with a health condition that required them to need treatment to have a baby all who are younger women who expected to have no trouble at all with having children. I also know of 2 women the girl defined sisters, who both experienced 3 back-to-back miscarriages while trying to grow/start their families, neither thinking it was really possible for them to be in that very small group until it happened to them. The other thing I would like you to consider is, why are you hesitant? is it fear you won't be able to provide financially? Pray about it and ask God if there is a way you can adjust your finances to do it, and then trust that He will provide for the needs of the children He gives you at the time He gives them to you. Are you worried you aren't ready to be a parent? News flash the only thing that will truly make you ready for children is having them so the longer you wait the longer it will be before you will be ready. Ultimately, I believe that any reason a couple might have to not want to have children is a lack of Faith in what God can do in your life, so leave your family in God's hands and He will take care of the rest.

A few verses of encouragement in this:

Philipians 4:4-19 NIV

Final Exhortations

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Thanks for Their Gifts

¹⁰ I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. ¹¹ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

¹⁴ Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. ¹⁵ Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; ¹⁶ for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. ¹⁷ Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. ¹⁸ I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. ¹⁹ And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Matthew 6:25-34 NIV

Do Not Worry

²⁵ “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ²⁷ Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life^[a]?

²⁸ “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. ²⁹ Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ³⁰ If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? ³¹ So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.