By Andrew J. Nadeau, MI |
The Roman Catholic Churchs teaching regarding the use of artificial contraceptives is no secret. Even the average lukewarm cultural Catholic knows, somewhere in the back of his conscience, that the Church prohibits them. Like much of moral theology, however, it is very easy to dismiss this teaching based on personal circumstances. I just cant afford a large family, the father will say. What about college tuition for the two children I already have, worries the mother. Statistics have shown that somewhere between seventy and ninety percent of Catholics are using artificial contraception in one of its many forms. |
The Church understands that there are circumstances where it would be detrimental to the welfare of a family to engage in unrestrained procreation. However, moral absolutes can never be compromised, especially in the context of twenty first century America, where many families have more sport utility vehicles than they do children. The Churchs answer is Natural Family Planning. |
Natural Family Planning, or NFP for short, is a method of birth regulation that relies on the natural periods of infertility that occur in a womans menstrual cycle. The purpose of this article is not to give instruction in this method; that can be found through your parish or diocese or organizations such as the Couple to Couple League. However, it must be clarified that NFP is not the rhythm method that your mother may have attempted to practice. NFP involves systematic observation and charting of signs of fertility and is based on sound modern science. |
There are many reasons for using NFP, some of which will be discussed here. The first and foremost for any serious Christian is the moral reason. Artificial contraception is wrong because is separates the procreative nature from the conjugal act. It frustrates Gods will for marriage and sexuality. Like a person gorging on a certain food, and making himself vomit to avoid the unwanted effects, artificial contraception is contrary to natural law. NFP, because it does not disrupt the natural and divine nature of sexuality, but instead cooperates with the way our bodies were created, it morally permissible. Every sexual act is open to the possibility of procreation. |
NFP is also safe and healthy. It does not involve the introduction of harmful chemicals or devices into a womans body. Harmful effects of the birth control pill are now being discovered, despite the adamant denial by its producers and profiteers, including a possible link between the pill and the high rate of breast cancer. |
NFP is easy to learn and use. The Couple to Couple League has trained volunteers who work with parishes and dioceses providing instruction. NFP also unites both the husband and wife in the family planning decision. |
NFP is effective. The Sympto-Thermal Method of Natural Family Planning can be used at the 99% level of effectiveness to postpone or avoid pregnancy. This is greater than any artificial contraceptive method. |
NFP is inexpensive. It doesnt involve doctors visits or prescriptions. There are no products to keep purchasing other than a good instruction manual or booklet, and these can often be obtained for free. In my opinion, this is the biggest reason why organizations that provide contraceptives, such as Planned Parenthood the medical profession in general, are usually unwilling to provide information or instruction in NFP. There are no profits to be made. |
Lastly, NFP is good for marriages. Because it requires periodic abstinence from sexual relations, times of intimacy are not taken for granted. Everyone knows how good that piece of chocolate tastes on Easter Sunday after forty days of fasting. To paraphrase the well-known saying, abstinence makes the heart grow fonder. |
Natural Family Planning is Gods gift to the modern Christian family. It is good for families, for marriages, and for the soul. |
Andy Nadeau is a 32-year-old father of five and an active member in the New Evangelization. He lives in Springvale, Maine with his wife Jeanne, and twin girls. |