Buddhist ethics are founded on the principle of ahiṃsā — non-harming — and hold a deep respect for life, beginning from conception. While abortion is generally seen as a serious moral issue because it involves the destruction of an already-existing sentient life, contraception is viewed more leniently, as it involves preventing life rather than destroying it.
Unlike some religious traditions that advocate “be fruitful and multiply,” Buddhism does not prescribe procreation as a religious duty. It does not regard marriage as a sacrament, nor childbearing as a spiritual obligation. The celibate monastic ideal is honored, but it is recognized that laypeople will marry and have families. Therefore, practical measures to responsibly manage reproduction are accepted in Buddhist cultures .
In countries such as Thailand and Sri Lanka, contraception has been widely embraced. Buddhist communities have supported family planning on the grounds that overpopulation can lead to poverty and crime, which are forms of social suffering. In Thailand, public initiatives have promoted contraceptive education — even using creative means like blowing up condoms at public events to raise awareness .
The ethical stance becomes more nuanced when considering types of contraception. The general Buddhist view is that preventing fertilization is ethically acceptable. Methods such as condoms, diaphragms, sterilization, vasectomy, and the rhythm method are largely unproblematic, as they prevent conception entirely, avoiding any question of ending life.
However, Buddhism is more cautious with methods that may cause the destruction of a fertilized ovum — such as the morning-after pill and Intrauterine Devices (IUDs). These are seen as potentially equivalent to causing very early abortion, as they prevent the implantation of an already fertilized egg. While some Buddhist scholars and communities object to these on principle, others tolerate them in practice, especially when weighed against the risks of unsafe abortion or unwanted pregnancy .
Buddhists vary in how strictly they interpret these issues. In Sri Lanka, some scholars see the IUD and morning-after pill as ethically unacceptable. In contrast, in Thailand, many Buddhist medical professionals do not see such methods as problematic, especially when they serve broader social health goals. Surveys from the 1960s show widespread use and approval of contraceptive methods among Buddhist populations .
In summary, Buddhism generally permits contraception, especially when it prevents fertilization. Caution is advised when methods risk the destruction of a fertilized ovum. The focus remains on intentional non-harming, personal responsibility, and compassionate concern for both individual well-being and the wider community.