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      Contraception and family planning

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can describe different types of contraception and family planning, and explain different views on them.

      Key learning points

      1. There are ethical questions that can be asked about the use of contraception and family planning.
      2. Non-religious people may use different approaches to answer these questions, including situation ethics.
      3. Non-religious people may consider reasons to support and not support the use of contraception.
      4. Humanists may consider the consequences of using them and support women's rights.
      5. Different types of artificial contraception use different methods to prevent pregnancy.

      Keywords

      • Artificial contraception - methods of contraception that stop pregnancy through stopping the sperm being able to fertilise the egg

      • Contraception - precautions taken to prevent pregnancy

      • Family planning - the regulation of births; planning when to have a family and how big a family to have by use of birth control practices and/or contraception

      • Procreation - having a child; seen as a duty in many religions

      Common misconception

      All types of contraception work in the same way.

      Different types of contraception use different methods, e.g., barrier, hormonal, surgical, intrauterine.

      Teacher tip

      With careful supervision, pupils can research other types of contraception and which methods they use.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Depiction or discussion of sexual content

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Depiction or discussion of sexual content

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What does the phrase 'sexual immorality' refer to in Christian teachings?

      Correct answer: any type of sexual activity outside of marriage
      anything related to love
      only adultery

      Q2.
      Why do some Christians believe sex before marriage is wrong?

      Correct answer: it is considered a sin in most Christian teachings
      the Bible does not mention sex before marriage
      modern society does not accept it

      Q3.
      How do Christians decide what is right regarding sex before marriage?

      only by reading the Bible
      Correct answer: by considering Church teachings, the Bible and their conscience
      by looking to what their friends believe

      Q4.
      Why do some Christians believe sex before marriage is acceptable?

      because it is a personal choice
      Correct answer: because they think love and commitment are more important than marriage
      because modern culture allows it

      Q5.
      Why is the Church of England debating about sex before marriage?

      Correct answer: some members believe modern relationships should be accepted
      the Bible is unclear about it
      The Church of England allows any kind of relationship

      Q6.
      The Catholic Church teaches that sex outside of marriage is a sin.

      Correct Answer: grave, Grave

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of the following is a barrier method of contraception?

      the pill
      Correct answer: the male condom
      Implant

      Q2.
      What does family planning involve?

      Correct answer: choosing when and how many children to have
      avoiding all contraception
      only using natural methods of contraception

      Q3.
      According to UN data, what is the most used artificial contraception method worldwide?

      the male condom
      Correct answer: female sterilisation
      the IUD

      Q4.
      What do most humanists believe about contraception?

      Correct answer: that women should have the right to choose based on possible consequences
      that only natural methods should be used
      that it should only be used within marriage

      Q5.
      Which of these is not a natural family planning method?

      the rhythm method
      abstinence
      Correct answer: the injection

      Q6.
      contraception refers to methods that stop pregnancy by stopping sperm from fertilising an egg.

      Correct Answer: Artificial, artificial

      To help you plan your 11 religious education lesson on: Contraception and family planning, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...