The release of Opill in March 2024 forever changed the landscape of hormonal birth control

(HC), making it available over-the-counter for the first time in U.S. history. 1 While this was

viewed as a victory for many, Christians should pause and evaluate: Should Christians use

hormonal contraceptives?

This article argues that Christians, as stewards of their bodies and lives, should avoid HCs. Part 1

reviews the history and science behind HCs; Part 2 will explore the biblical and ethical

implications.

The History of Hormonal Birth Control

HCs began to take shape in the 1930s, when researchers discovered that progesterone could

inhibit ovulation. 2 By the 1950s, the birth control (BC) pill was developed to suppress the

natural menstrual cycle. Before the 1950s, doctors legally did not have to inform patients that

they were unknowingly part of an experiment. Thus, the women part of the BC pill experiment

were not aware that they were serving as lab rats for generations of women to come. 3 Because

the women in this experiment were struggling to conceive, and believed the pill would boost

their fertility, they were disappointed when they ceased menstruation. 4 To mitigate their

disappointment, the doctors enhanced the pill: “their solution was to add a fake menstrual bleed

by having the women stop taking their pills for several days each month.” 5

The pill's release coincided with second-wave feminism and was celebrated for giving women

control over their reproductive lives. 6 While initially prescribed for "menstrual regulation," it

wasn't legally sanctioned for contraceptive use until 1969. 7 Since then, a wide array of hormonal

methods – including IUDs, implants, and injectables – have emerged. Despite their popularity,

the development and use of HCs have often lacked informed consent, full disclosure, and

sufficient research on risks. 8