Natural Family Planning
Some couples desire to learn NFP for a single reason and then are happily surprised
to find there are many advantages to using Natural Family Planning they never suspected.
OR you may investigate:
The Couple to Couple League International
PO Box 111184 Cincinnati, Ohio 45211-1184
Main Number: (513) 471-2000Fax: (513) 557-2449
The Sympto-Thermal Method taught by the Couple to Couple League and most other teaching organizations uses the two natural signs of cervical mucus and the waking temperature plus certain information from the woman's own previous cycle history, and these three factors are used together in a cross-checking way.
HOW EFFECTIVE IS NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING?
A number of studies have shown that the Sympto-Thermal Method of NFP can be used at the 99% level of effectiveness for avoiding or spacing pregnancies. It is interesting to note that throughout the history of modern "birth control," the moral means of achieving this end that have been recommended by the Catholic Church were never less effective than the most effective unnatural means. The Ogino-Knaus Rhythm Method was as effective in birth regulation as the most effective immoral method, prophylactic condoms and diaphragms. The Rhythm Method was, unfortunately, poorly understood and taught, which led to its being criticized as ineffective.. CCL was established to help avoid that mistake. When the Pill was developed in the late 1950s, the Natural Family Planning methods we teach were also achieving similar rates of effectiveness in studies, though far less public and media attention was paid to that research.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING?
MEDICALLY SAFE
Because NFP is 100% natural, there are no health risks. No potentially harmful drugs or devices. On the other hand, the Pill sometimes causes blood clots which can result in strokes, visual impairment, or death. According to Planned Parenthood figures, more American women die each year from the Pill than from the complications of pregnancy and childbirth (Making Choices, 1983). The Pill also acts as an early abortion agent in some cases because its effect on the lining of the uterus prevents implantation.
INCREASED HEALTH AWARENESS
Because NFP teaches you to become aware of your normal fertility pattern, changes in this pattern can alert you to medical problems.
EFFECTIVENESS
As mentioned earlier, the Sympto-Thermal Method of NFP is highly effective both for avoiding and achieving pregnancy.
LOW COST
NFP costs significantly less than other forms of birth control. Once you learn it, there are no continuing costs.
MORE SATISFYING MARRIAGES
Most couples report that NFP has a positive effect on their marriages. They find that periodic abstinence helps keep their sexual relationship fresh, improves their communication, and gives them a deeper respect for each other.
MORALLY ACCEPTABLE
All the major religions including the Catholic Church accept the use of Natural Family Planning for spacing pregnancies in the context of marriage and a "just" reason for family planning. (See the Catechism of the Catholic Church, section 2368.
IMMEDIATELY REVERSIBLE
You just change your timing. There's no damage to your fertility from drugs and medical procedures.
Since the founding of the Couple to Couple League in 1971, the primary way in which the League has taught the Sympto-Thermal Method has been through a series of four classes taught by certified CCL Teaching Couples.
Because these classes are not yet available in every part of the world and because of schedule conflicts even where classes are held, the Couple to Couple League developed the HOME STUDY COURSE FOR NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING.
The CCL Home Study Course is a complete course in Natural Family Planning's Sympto-Thermal Method. It can be taken in the comfort of your own home with easy-to-follow directions. It's a Christian, value-oriented approach to family planning, and it allows you to get personal counseling from our qualified staff.
