Religion: A Change on Birth Control?

At least four-fifths of the 76-member pontifical commission on birth control favors a change in the Roman Catholic Church's traditional prohibition against mechanical and chemical methods of birth control. Ending three years of study on the question, the commission last week presented its findings to Pope Paul VI. Although its precise recommendations remain secret, the commission majority concluded that since the love and affection of marriage partners is as important as procreation, they are entitled to practice contraception when there is good and sufficient reason to limit the size of their families.

This argument, which was approved by the commission's key...