I receive many questions about birth control and women, particularly when it comes to teen girls. Should doctors prescribe it? Is it an abortifacient? Is it theologically sound? I’d like to address some of these concerns.

First of all, there are different types of birth control and they each work differently to prevent pregnancy.

Many Catholics use natural family planning which relies on the “rhythm” method. This requires that couples abstain from intercourse except during the time when a woman is least likely to be ovulating. Since ovulation occurs (usually) two weeks before the next menstrual cycle (or halfway between menstrual cycles), the couple avoids sexual intercourse during this time. They opt for intimacy closer to the menstrual cycle when ovulation is unlikely to occur.

The most common form of birth control prescribed by physicians is oral contraceptives. These are a combination of estrogen and progesterone products. Women take one pill per day every day of the month. Pregnancy is avoided because taking the pills simulates pregnancy. The hormones “tell” the ovaries not to produce eggs so there are no eggs to be fertilized. Very, very rarely, ovulation can occur and fertilization can take place. If this happens, a woman…