In Pope Paul VI's encyclical on birth control, the theory of natural law is used to argue against the use of birth control . The Encyclical, according to the Pope, assumes that humans are free and responsible, possessing a free will that makes us responsible moral agents. One of the thoughtful duties of man is the transmission of human life, “for which married persons are the free and responsible collaborators of God the Creator” (174). In addition to man's duty, two additional factors, social concerns and apostolic succession, make the encyclical influential. Over time, various social factors have played a role in birth control, including population growth, the role of women in society, and the advancement of humans and technology. By Apostolic Succession, the Pope is infallible, which gives him a direct right, inherited from Peter. In the Encyclical, the Pope will argue against birth control through recourse to marital love, responsible parenting and natural law. The Encyclical is an example of the Pope exercising his right to teach natural laws through his supposed right of infallibility. Papal infallibility states that the pope is protected to speak of the faith through God. This infallibility arises from the Apostolic Succession which affirms that “no believer will wish to deny that the teaching authority of the Church is competent to interpret even the natural moral law” (175). This teaching authority is the Pope. Thus, the moral law cannot be challenged because “Jesus Christ, by communicating to Peter and the Apostles his divine authority and sending them to teach all nations his commandments, constituted them as guardians and in the middle of the paper. ...... This reduction has saved many lives and prevented many from contracting the disease. Additionally, the chances of abortion have also decreased. If condoms were not allowed, the number of abortions would increase significantly. In my personal belief system, I also believe that sexual activities serve many purposes, not just to produce children. Carrying a child is also a major issue when it comes to rape. I believe a woman should not have to carry her rapist's baby. She did not consent to engage in sexual activity because she was most likely forced to “take him.” Although the encyclical proves to be a solid and justified document, it does not take into account external circumstances such as rape. For this reason, I personally have to disagree with this. Works cited by Pope Paul VI. “Encyclical on Birth Control.” The New York Times August 1, 1968: 174--79. Print.