Contraception and Family Planning

    AQA
    GCSE

    Examination of religious responses to contraception and family planning, focusing on the theological tension between the unitive and procreative functions of sexual intercourse. Analysis must cover the divergence between Absolutist approaches (Natural Law/Catholic Magisterium) and Relativist/Situationist approaches (Liberal Protestantism/Utilitarianism), specifically tracking the shift in ecclesiastical authority from the 1930 Lambeth Conference to the 1968 Humanae Vitae encyclical.

    5
    Objectives
    4
    Exam Tips
    3
    Pitfalls
    3
    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Humanae Vitae (1968) - Pope Paul VI's encyclical reaffirming the ban on artificial contraception.
    • Lambeth Conference (1930) - Anglican Church becomes the first to approve contraception for married couples.
    • Genesis 1:28 - 'Be fruitful and multiply' (Divine Command Theory).
    • Natural Law - Aquinas' precept that reproduction is a primary purpose of human existence.
    • Situation Ethics - Joseph Fletcher's theory that the most loving action (agape) dictates morality.

    Example Examiner Feedback

    Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

    • "You identified the Catholic view, but failed to link it to the concept of Natural Law or the 'unitive/procreative' nature of sex."
    • "Your evaluation lists arguments but does not judge which is stronger. Explain why the Anglican view might be more compatible with modern society."
    • "Include a specific source of authority (e.g., Humanae Vitae or Genesis) to support your point about the sanctity of life."
    • "Differentiate clearly between 'contraception' and 'family planning'—the latter implies intent and stewardship."

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Credit accurate distinction between artificial methods (condoms, pill) and natural methods (rhythm method, withdrawal).
    • Award marks for linking Catholic opposition to Aquinas' Natural Law (Primary Precept: Reproduction) and the 1968 Humanae Vitae.
    • Credit responses that explain the Anglican/Non-conformist view of 'responsible parenthood' and the priority of quality of life over quantity.
    • Candidates must evaluate the concept of 'playing God' versus the stewardship duty to plan families responsibly.

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡In 12-mark 'Evaluate' questions, a justified conclusion is mandatory for the top band (10-12 marks).
    • 💡For 5-mark questions, the reference to sacred writing or teaching must be explicit to access the final mark.
    • 💡Do not just list arguments; assess the 'strength' of the argument based on the authority of the source (e.g., Magisterium vs. individual conscience).
    • 💡Use the term 'procreative' and 'unitive' when discussing the Catholic theology of sex.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Conflating contraception with abortion (e.g., treating condoms as abortifacients rather than preventatives).
    • Generalizing 'Christians' as a monolith; failing to distinguish between Catholic absolutism and Protestant liberalism.
    • Using secular arguments (cost of children) without linking them to religious ethical frameworks (stewardship/agape).

    Study Guide Available

    Comprehensive revision notes & examples

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    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Give
    Explain two
    Explain two contrasting
    Evaluate
    Refer to
    Which

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