What is Natural Family Planning?
Natural Family Planning (NFP) is quite simply using the natural signs of human fertility to understand the natural fertility cycle of a woman, and then using that understanding to plan a family. In creating and using this understanding, it develops a couple’s respect for fertility, and for each other, as they grow in knowledge of each other and of the gift of fertility. NFP can be used either to plan pregnancy or to avoid it: it has an effectiveness level as high as artificial contraception, and it is safe to use with no unpleasant side-effects. Because of its reflection of the openness to the creative power of God which lies at the heart of married sexuality, it is the only form of family planning which is supportive of the ideals of Christian marriage, and as such it is the only method accepted by the Roman Catholic Church.
Natural Family Planning (NFP) is a term for methods used to achieve and avoid pregnancies based on observation of the naturally occurring signs and symptoms of a woman’s menstrual cycle. By respecting the love-giving and life-giving nature of marriage, NFP can enrich the bond between husband and wife. As a method of family planning, NFP: • Calls for mutual responsibility and communication by husband and wife • Is based on scientific research • Treats each menstrual cycle as unique and teaches a couple to observe signs of fertility on a day-to-day basis • Has no harmful side effects • Is effective for achieving or avoiding pregnancy • Can be used in special circumstances • Is virtually cost free How does NFP work? NFP instruction helps a couple identify the most opportune time to achieve as well as avoid pregnancy. No artificial methods are used, because they would interfere with observation of fertility signs. NFP is NOT the “Rhythm” method that was based on the theory that time of ovu
What is natural family planning? In the broadest sense, natural family planning refers to methods of avoiding (or achieving) pregnancy that cooperate with a couple’s fertility rather than suppress it through the use of drugs or contraceptive devices. These methods involve determining the woman’s fertile period and abstaining from intercourse during that time to avoid pregnancy, or having intercourse then to achieve pregnancy. Properly applied, these natural methods are in full accord with the teachings of Pope Paul VI and John Paul II on the subject of family planning. Because they take advantage of the body’s natural rhythms of fertility and infertility and place no positive obstacles to the transmission of life, they do not fall under the Catholic Church’s official ban against artificial contraception. The assumption is, of course, that even when couples are using natural methods, they are not using them to avoid conception for selfish motives but for sound reasons like physical or e
SAFE HEALTHY – EFFECTIVE What is Natural Family Planning? Natural Family Planning (NFP) is an umbrella term for certain methods used to achieve and postpone pregnancies. These methods, also called Fertility Appreciation or Fertility Awareness methods, are based on the observation of naturally occurring signs of the fertile phase of a womans fertility cycle. Couples using NFP to achieve pregnancy engage in intercourse during the womans fertile phase. Couples wishing to postpone pregnancy simply abstain from sexual relations during the time of fertility. No drugs, devices or surgical procedures are used in the practice of NFP. NFP reflects the dignity of the human person within the context of marriage and family life, promotes openness to life, and recognizes the value of every child. By respecting the love-giving and life-giving natures of marriage, NFP enriches the bond between husband and wife. Is NFP Rhythm? NFP is not “Rhythm.” The Rhythm or calendar method was in use more than 50 y
Natural family planning (NFP) refers to several different ways to prevent or to attempt pregnancy that are generally endorsed by the Roman Catholic Church, and some other religious groups. These methods are often used more to prevent pregnancy, though studies have shown a certain amount of success in using them in the opposite direction to result in pregnancy. NFP practices are based on analysis of a woman’s cycle by various means to detect ovulation and by abstaining from intercourse during times when a woman is most likely to become pregnant, if pregnancy prevention is the goal. It is well known that the Roman Catholic Church does not approve of the use of barrier or artificial methods of birth control. Typically, the church believes it is acceptable to attempt pregnancy prevention if no artificial means are used. The methods that make up part of natural family planning lean heavily on the idea that abstinence is important to avoid pregnancy, and it is not an affront to God to unders
