The Oral Contraceptive as Abortifacient: An Analysis of the Evidence

Authors

Dennis M. Sullivan, Cedarville UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-2006

Journal Title

Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith

Volume

58

Issue

3

First Page

189

Last Page

195

Abstract

Pro-life Christian ethicists and medical practitioners have been united in their opposition to abortion, but have sometimes been divided in their ethical approach to hormonal contraception. Even though many Christians believe that birth control may be a moral option, some claim that the “Pill” acts, at least some of the time, as an abortifacient. If true, Christians who hold that human personhood begins at conception would be morally opposed to the use of combined oral contraceptives.

This article examines the scientific evidence for an abortifacient effect of such contraceptive agents, and concludes that such an effect is yet unproven. Some of the ethical arguments are also examined, and the author suggests that further research on early pregnancy factor (EPF) may help to resolve this controversial issue.

Keywords

Contraceptives, abortifacients

Recommended Citation

Sullivan, D. M. (2006). The Oral Contraceptive as Abortifacient: An Analysis of the Evidence. Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith, 58 (3), 189-195.