Religion and family planning

The 7 billionth person on Earth will draw his or her first breath on October 31, 2011 according to estimates by the United Nations. After growing very slowly for most of human history, the number of people on earth has more than doubled in the last 50 years. Africa our motherland is the second-most-populated continent, with around 1 billion people, or 15 percent of the world’s population, and today Rwanda’s population is more than 11 million. The government has supported and encouraged the shift towards smaller families by making contraceptives more widely available, affordable, and training providers to offer contraceptive options. However, what are religions and religious leaders’ take on the matter? Senior Pastor Gisa L. Emmanuel of Muhima’s Christian Revival Church said that, “Holy Scriptures say the proper use of a non-abortive form of birth control is not wrong as long as we are seeking God’s will in what we do.” He said the role of Christian leaders in combating over population in the country was previously tough. “It was very difficult to talk about family planning after the genocide,” he said. “People wanted to replace those who had died. “When our government made family planning a top priority, today we also unflinchingly tell our brethren on how to use birth control as a general principle in life. We encourage them to limit the number of children they conceive, space children, and perhaps to postpone starting a family until a couple is prepared to be parents. This should not be frowned upon but taken seriously,” Pastor Gisa said. However, if couples decide to use birth control, they should carefully consider the method used and avoid any method that would lead to or cause abortion. Another important issue for birth control is the motive or reason. Couples, especially christian couples clearly need to evaluate their reasons for birth control. The Pastor added: “Some couples today just do not want to have children because they are afraid it will spoil the lifestyles they are enjoying.” According to Pastor Gisa, some people consider birth control as a way of maintaining their freedom. “Of course, being a parent is a tremendous responsibility and does tie a couple down, but the blessings far outweigh the challenges,” he said. Contrary to what most people think, Islam is not against family planning. According to Imam Sindayigaya Ally Hamza, almost all forms of birth control are permissible in Islam. “The Quran encourages mothers to space their pregnancies and to breastfeed their babies for prolonged periods. During that time, the man may also use condoms and the rhythm method.” In practice, most Muslim authorities permit contraception to preserve the health of the mother or the wellbeing of the family. The Seventh-day Adventist Church has made no pronouncement on this subject. Generally, the use of contraceptives is a personal matter settled by individuals. A seventh day Adventist clergy who preferred anonymity, said that although their church policy books are silent on the subject, as leaders, they advise their flock on family planning. “They should take into consideration whether God would be glorified or dishonored by their bringing children into the world,” he said. “Believers should calmly consider what provisions can be made for their children. They have no right to bring children into the world to be a burden to others.” As we celebrate the birth of the 7 billionth baby, let’s all unite and combat over population, less people equals lower unemployment, less poverty, less environmental pollution and a sustainable planet. martin.bishop18@yahoo.com