Position

In 1936 the CRC spoke out against birth control, stating that married people should follow the biblical mandate to be fruitful and multiply and therefore produce as many children as is compatible with the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of the mother and the children. No subsequent synodical decision has changed this official position.

History

In response to an overture from Classis Grand Rapids East, Synod 1934 appointed a committee to study the issue of birth control in view of its widespread practice and the concern of church members regarding the Lord's will in this matter. In an era of birthrate decline, Synod 1936 appointed a special committee that wrote the "Birth Control Testimony," which synod adopted. It called married church members to fulfill one of the purposes of marriage, which is to beget children. It also testified against the "growing evil of selfish birth restriction" and "indiscriminate dissemination of contraceptive information." In 1971 three individuals overtured synod to reconsider the church's position on birth control in light of the concern about overpopulation, the possibility of governmental population control, the use of birth-control devices, and the need for a clear witness to the world. Synod defeated a recommendation to appoint a committee to study the matter but urged those with special competence in these subject areas to serve the church with published articles showing a biblical perspective. Since 1971 the issue has not come before synod, though practice regarding birth control has changed considerably.

References

Acts of Synod 1906, pp. 52-53
Acts of Synod 1930, p. 140
Acts of Synod 1934, pp. 125-27
Acts of Synod 1936, pp. 12, 136-38
Acts of Synod 1971, pp. 55, 132, 643-46