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WHAT IS NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING?

Natural Family Planning (NFP) is an umbrella term for certain methods used to achieve and postpone pregnancy.  These methods are based on the observation of naturally occurring signs of the fertile phase of a woman’s cycle. Couples using NFP to achieve pregnancy engage in intercourse during this fertile time.  Couples wishing to avoid pregnancy simply abstain from sexual relations at the fertile time.  Natural Family Planning reflects the dignity of the human person within the context of marriage and family, 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.

ISN’T NFP THE SAME AS RHYTHM?

NFP is NOT “Rhythm.”  The Rhythm, or calendar, method in use decades ago was based on the assumption that ovulation occurred  at the same time in every cycle.  Modern NFP methods, based on forty years of research on human fertility, recognize that each cycle, like each woman, is unique.  NFP is based on day-to-day observations of the signs and symptoms of fertility and infertility in the current cycle.  By understanding their own fertility, couples can achieve or avoid conception.  NFP is thus the complete family planning method.

IS NFP EFFECTIVE?

When couples are taught by a competent teacher and follow the rules of the method carefully, NFP is highly successful in achieving their intended family plan.  Numerous studies, including one by the U.S. government, show that NFP methods are 97%-99% effective for avoiding pregnancy.  That’s as effective as the Pill and far more effective than barrier methods.  (cf. Contraceptive Technology, 17^th revised edition, Robert Hatcher, Irvington Press, NY 1998)