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NATURAL
FAMILY PLANNING
Natural Family Planning (NFP)
is an umbrella term for certain methods used to achieve and avoid
pregnancies. These methods are based on observation of the naturally
occurring signs and symptoms of the fertile and infertile phases of a
woman’s menstrual cycle. The accuracy of women’s observation has been
validated by much scientific research
NFP is a holistic approach
to family planning consistent with Church teachings on sexuality and
responsible parenthood. Both husband and wife understand their
fertility, emotions, and family planning intentions (whether to have a baby
or not). Its successful use to avoid pregnancy relies upon a couple
following what they know about the method and one another. Successful
use of NFP requires a couple to communicate. In the daily charting of
their fertility signs, couples quickly appreciate their shared
responsibility for family planning. Husbands are encouraged to “tune
into” their wives’ cycles, and both spouses are encouraged to speak openly
to each other about their sexual desires and their ideas on family size.
NFP promotes openness to
the transmission of human life and recognizes the value of children.
Sexual relations are understood as love-giving as well as life-giving.
It is true family planning. Because NFP respects the two-fold nature
of sexual intercourse, it can enrich the bond between the husband and wife.
For these reasons it is an acceptable form of family planning for people of
various religious and philosophical beliefs.
So how does one gain a
working knowledge of NFP? By first deciding what methodology best
suites your needs. Listed below are the various methods presently
being offered in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.
 Sympto-Thermal
Method (STM) (Couple to Couple League) has been around since
the 1950’s. The Sympto-Thermal Method charts the primary signs of fertility
(cervical mucus and Basal-temperature). This methodology is based
on work of various scientists including, Billings, Doering, Keefe, Prem,
Roetzer, and Vollman.
The Ovulation Method
(OM) of Natural Family Planning has been around since the ‘60’s.
This method makes use of the observation of cervical mucus to determine
fertility and infertility. This method was first developed by Drs.
John and Evelyn Billings in Australia. Although several variations of
OM exist, OM continues to be popularly referred to as the
“Billings Method”.
Creighton Method
–is the newest ovulation method. It too relies upon the observation of
a sign-the discharge of cervical mucus—that is essential to human fertility.
Listed below are teaching
couples presently serving in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Please
feel free to contact the one in your local area for time and places of the
next class.
Couple to Couple League:
One More Soul:
Steve Koob
1-800-307-7685 |
Anna Walton-OM/FAF
513-528-2229 |
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Ann Moell, MD OM/FAF
937-279-5433
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Billings Method:
Dr. David & Lori Rohrer
1372 Sharpsburg Road
Ft. Recovery, OH 45846
419-375-4159
Creighton Method:
Sylvia Corson
513-851-1188
smcorson@fuse.net
Further Information
The following are national NFP teacher training organizations. These
organizations maintain lists of certified teachers:
Diocesan Development Program for Natural Family Planning
Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities
National Conference of Catholic Bishops
3211 4th St., N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20017
202-541-3240/3070
202-541-3054 FAX
e-mail:
nfp@nccbuscc.org
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Billings Ovulation Method Association [OM]
Kay Ek, President
316 North 7th Street
St. Cloud, MN 56303
(888) 637-6371
(320) 252-2100
(320) 252-2877 FAX
Couple-Couple League [STM]
P.O. Box 111184
Cincinnati, Ohio 45211-1184
or:
4290 Delhi Pike
Cincinnati, OH 45238
(513) 471-2000
(513) 557-2449 FAX
Family of the Americas Foundation [OM]
Mercedes Wilson Executive Director
P.O. Box 1170
Dunkirk, MD 20754
(301) 627-3346
(301) 627-0847 FAX
Northwest Family Services, Inc. [STM]
Rose Fuller, Executive Director
4805 N.E. Glisan Street
Portland, OR 97213
(503) 215-6377
(503) 215-6940 FAX
Pope Paul VI Institute for the
Study of Human Reproduction [OM]
Thomas Hilgers, M.D.,
Executive Director
6901 Mercy Rd.
Omaha, NE 68106
(402) 390-6600
(402) 390-9851 FAX
One More Soul
1846 North Main St.
Dayton, OH 45405
800-307-7685
(937) 279-5433
www.OMSoul.com
OMSoul@OSMoul.com
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