The Virgin Birth is traditional Christian doctrine that states Jesus Christ was miraculously conceived by the Virgin Mary through the power of the Holy Spirit. The doctrine also states that Mary was Jesus’ sole natural parent and that he had no natural father. It is a belief accepted by Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and some Protestant churches and by Muslims. However, Mary’s perpetual virginity—the belief that she remained a virgin throughout her life—is accepted only by Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians. By contrast, the Immaculate Conception is Roman Catholic dogma that states Mary was preserved free from the effects of original sin from the moment of her conception.