Since their development, contraceptive techniques and their widespread use have caused some controversy between groups with different views on the issue. Contraception is defined as any method used to prevent pregnancy and can come in different forms. Barrier methods prevent sperm from reaching the egg, thus preventing fertilization. Other methods that have received more criticism are those that use hormones to prevent the implantation of an already fertilized egg. There is also a post-coital contraceptive pill, more commonly known as the morning-after pill or emergency contraception, which can be taken if other contraceptive methods have failed or were absent. It works by causing the lining of the uterus to shed, taking the potentially fertilized egg with it (“contraception” 2005). These two methods are often considered abortion because some individuals view the fertilized egg as a human life deserving the right to life, the most basic of human rights. Utilitarianism is not completely opposed to the use of contraception; evaluates the outcomes of each situation individually to determine whether the action is ethical or not. This is a more realistic way of looking at the situation. The main opposition to the use of contraception comes from the Catholic Church. Natural Law views a fertilized egg as a small human life and states that all human life is created in the image of God and that we all deserve the right to live. It is also stated that no person can choose to take the life of an innocent individual (Leies 2010). However, advocates of contraceptive use will take a utilitarian view and focus on the outcomes of all potential actions and their consequences to determine the best solution… middle of the paper… there will be no burden taking care of a child so that both parents can get more education and get a higher career. Therefore, a utilitarian would most likely support the use of contraception. Works cited “contraception”. The Crystal Reference Encyclopedia. West Chiltington: Crystal Semantics, 2005. Creed Reference. Network. November 22, 2013Jarvis Thomson, Judith. “A Defense of Abortion.” Applied ethics. By Peter Singer. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1986. 37-56. Print.Kelleher, J. Paul. "Emergency contraception and conscientious objection". Journal of Applied Philosophy (2010): 290-304. Print.Leies, John A. Handbook of Critical Life Issues. Philadelphia: National Catholic Bioethics Center, 2010. Print.Singer, Peter. "Taking Life: The Embryo and the Fetus." Practical ethics. Cambridge:University of Cambridge, 1993. 136-51. Press.