Birth Control

Birth control remains a highly controversial topic throughout the world. Birth control is any method that prevents birth; as such, it includes not only contraceptives and contragestives but also abortion—both chemical and surgical—and sterilization. Contraceptives are birth control methods that prevent fertilization of an egg by a sperm (conception). Contragestives are methods that prevent the implantation of a fertilized egg (embryo) after conception. Abortion is the removal of an embryo or fetus from the uterus. Sterilization is a surgical procedure by which the male vas deferens or the female fallopian tubes are severed or removed. This entry will focus on the ethical dimensions of each type of birth control, as well as some of the issues that arise between birth control and business.

Different ethical dilemmas ...