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Unlock This CourseContraception means deliberately preventing a pregnancy. There are two broad groups of methods. Artificial methods use a device or medicine, such as condoms or the contraceptive pill. Natural methods rely on knowing when a woman is most likely to conceive and avoiding sex at those times. In the UK, contraception is widely available, and much of it is free on the NHS.
People use contraception for many reasons:
Attitudes differ between and within religions. Many religious people accept contraception within marriage, because it lets a couple plan a family responsibly. Some traditions allow natural methods only. Many believers are concerned if it is used to avoid having children altogether, as they see children as a blessing and part of what marriage is for.
Humanists and other non-religious people generally see contraception as a responsible personal choice. It lets people decide for themselves when, or whether, to have children, and it helps them look after their health.
Key terms:
Celibacy means choosing not to marry or have sexual relationships. Some people stay celibate for life. Others choose it for a time. A related word is chastity, which means keeping to the standards of sexual behaviour set by your beliefs. This can mean avoiding sex outside marriage, or avoiding it altogether. Celibacy is a choice: it is not the same as simply not having a partner.
Devotion: giving your whole life to God or to spiritual practice.
Freedom to serve: without a family, more time and energy can go to helping others.
Self-discipline: some people see it as a way to train the mind and control desires.
Duty or blessing: marriage and children are seen by many as a duty or a gift.
Loneliness: life without a partner or family can be lonely.
Unnatural: some say it goes against human nature.
Attitudes differ among religious people. In some religions, certain people, such as monks or nuns, choose celibacy for life and are greatly respected for it. In others, marriage is strongly encouraged for nearly everyone, and celibacy is rare. Some believers think celibacy is a high calling, while others think it is only right for a few people. Non-religious people vary too. Some respect it as a personal choice, and some think it is unnecessary or unhealthy. Many would say the key point is that it is freely chosen.
Key terms:
Some children cannot live with their birth parents. This may be because of illness, death, neglect, abuse, or because the parents cannot cope. These children need a safe home, and adoption and fostering are two ways of giving them one.
Adoption means becoming a child's legal parents for life. A court makes the decision. After this the child is part of the new family in law, as if born to them.
Fostering means caring for a child for a time. The child is looked after on behalf of the state, or sometimes the child's family. It may last days or years. Often the aim is for the child to return home when it is safe.
In the UK, adoptions and foster placements are arranged by local councils and by approved adoption and fostering charities. Some of these charities are religious and some are not. All must follow the law and check carefully that people are suitable.
The main difference is permanence. Adoption is permanent and gives full legal parenthood. Fostering is temporary, and the birth parents or the council remain legally responsible.
Key terms:
Adoption and fostering are also ways that childless couples, single people and others can have a family. Many people who cannot have children by treatment, or who decide against it, choose these paths instead.
(a) Identify three types of contraception. [3 marks] (Paper 1, AO1)
(b) Outline two differences between adoption and fostering. [4 marks] (Paper 1, AO1)
(c) Explain why some people choose to be celibate. [6 marks] (Paper 1, AO1 and AO2)
(d) 'Adoption and fostering are the best way to help a child without a family.' Evaluate this statement, showing you have considered different points of view. In your answer you should refer to at least one religion. [12 marks] (Paper 1, AO1 and AO2)
(a) 1. Condoms (1) 2. The contraceptive pill (1) 3. Natural methods (1)
(b) Adoption is permanent (1), as the child becomes part of the new family for life (1). Fostering is for a time (1), as the child is cared for on behalf of the state or family and may return home (1).
(c) Some people choose celibacy because of devotion. They want to give their whole life to God or to spiritual practice, so marriage and family might be a distraction from this. Others choose it for freedom to serve. Without a partner or children, they have more time and energy to help others, for example by caring for the sick or the poor. Some see celibacy as self-discipline, a way of training the mind and controlling desires. Many people who choose celibacy are respected in their religion for their commitment. So people choose it because they believe it helps them live out their beliefs or serve others better.
(d) Plan. For: both give a child a safe, loving home, which religious and non-religious people agree matters most. Many religions teach compassion for the vulnerable, and adoption gives a permanent family. Humanists would say it reduces suffering. Against: the key words are the best way. Some children can return safely to their birth families, so fostering for a time may be better than adoption. Other ways to help include supporting struggling families, or charities that care for children. A child may also need to keep contact with their background and identity. Conclusion (example): adoption and fostering are among the best ways to help, but not always the only or best one, as each child's needs differ. In your own answer, add the teaching of your own religion here, and compare it with another view, such as a humanist one.
In the 12-mark question, look at the key phrase the best way. Compare adoption and fostering with at least one other way of helping, then say which suits which child, and why.