How Should Christians View “Emergency Contraceptive” Pills?

Pastor Bob Hammond

According to the New York Times, on August 13, 2010, the Food & Drug Administration approved a new product, Ella (ulipristal acetate), as “emergency contraception.” The manufacturer claims that Ella is “safe and effective in preventing unintended pregnancy for up to 120 hours - or five days - post-unprotected intercourse (UPI) or contraceptive failure.” 

However, according to Jeanne Monahan, Director of the Center for Human Dignity at the Family Research Council, "The FDA opted against including the critical fact that Ella can cause an abortion on a baby already implanted in its mother's womb in the drug labeling information.”  And "since Ella is chemically similar to RU-486 (which has been the cause of at least six deaths reported to the FDA in less than six years),” says Monahan, “it is likely that the serious health concerns for women will be similar.”

How should Christians view Ella and other so-called "emergency contraceptives?" Christians should rely on the Bible for guidance in formulating a response to any issue. Our goal should be to allow the LORD to align our thoughts and actions with His words -- rather than to our own political or moral sensibilities.   After all,  we were created for the purpose of pleasing God! (Rev. 4:11).

The Bible is clear that the LORD cares deeply for the well-being of unborn children:

1.  Moses taught that a man who kills an unborn child should suffer punishment:

Exodus 21:22-23 If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine.  ²³ And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life." 

 2.  In Jeremiah 1:5, the LORD told Jeremiah that he was “formed” by God – and known by God before he was born:

Jeremiah 1:5   Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. 

 3.  In Psalm 139, David indicates that the LORD “covered” him in his mother’s womb:

Psalm 139:13-14   For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.  ¹⁴ I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

It is clear that Ella must be rejected by Christians.  The Bible says that the LORD “formed” us and “knew” us while we were still in our mother’s womb.  Ella is a product with clear potential to end the life of an unborn child.  In the Old Testament, the LORD prescribed punishment for those who harm unborn children.

Please pray that Christians will develop a Biblical perspective on so-called “emergency contraception.” And please pray for women who have undergone abortions.  We praise God that the sin of abortion is a sin that is covered by the blood of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!