Natural Family Planning

by Brian Clowes

One of the greatest practical advantages of natural family planning is that it lets a woman and her husband learn how her reproductive system works instead of requiring her simply to dominate it with powerful chemicals, which are often accompanied by one or more undesirable side effects. More intimate knowledge of the reproductive system enhances self-reliance, assists in achieving and confirming pregnancy, and allows earlier detection of a wide range of health problems when they occur. It also helps a husband understand his wife's psychology, since a woman's moods are at least partially a function of the hormonal changes that take place during her menstrual cycle.  Read More...

NFP, Isn’t That Rhythm?

by Rev. Paul Marx, O.S.B.

Natural means of fertility control have been a life-long interest of mine. Even in the seminary (1942-47) I wondered why the Church didn’t intensively research and teach the theology and methodology of Natural Family Planning (NFP); then as now, birth control was an enormous problem. Teaching marriage preparation courses for years at two Catholic colleges only enhanced my interest in NFP, as did giving many retreats for young married couples after the war. They used to call me “Father Rhythm” and “Father Temp” at St. John’s University in Minnesota. Over the years I sponsored eight international symposia on NFP, still misunderstood as the “old rhythm” method so often today. Read More...