“Is contraception really that big of a deal? As if using contraception wisely and occasionally in marriage could affect my relationship with God. And even if it really did, how is natural family planning any different from contraception?”
- What is NFP?
- Mirroring the Trinity in Marriage
- The Role of Marriage
- “Sterilizing” the Sacrament
- Additional Resources
What is Natural Family Planning?
Perhaps you’ve heard the acronym, NFP, thrown around but never knew what it meant.
Natural Family Planning (NFP), by definition, is a method used to plan or prevent pregnancy. It is based on observing natural signs and symptoms of fertility in a woman’s cycle. Unlike contraceptives, which involve the use of artificial methods to prevent pregnancy, NFP works with the natural fertility cycle and, above all, respects the natural process of conception.
Natural Family Planning is commonly used among Catholic married couples because it aligns with the Church’s teachings on the sanctity of marriage, the openness to life, and the natural order of human sexuality. This method allows couples to plan their families while still being open to life, as it involves periodic abstinence during the fertile period rather than the use of artificial means to prevent conception.
Mirroring the Trinity in Marriage
Jesus reveals something more about who God is. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Jesus reveals the innermost secret of God. It is this: “God himself is an eternal exchange of love . . . and he has destined us to share in that exchange” (CCC 221).
While this affects literally everything in life, one of the consequences is directly related to human sexuality and conception.
God is a “communion of Persons” (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). The Father continually pours Himself out to the Son, the Son to the Father, and the love between them is so real that “It” is a “Who”: another Person, the Holy Spirit. We are made in the image and likeness of the Trinity . This means that we are made to be in relationship with one another. And these relationships are meant to be in the image and likeness of God.
Getting married this year? Check out these posts about marriage: Don’t Marry Your Best Friend, What is Emotional Chastity?
The Role of Marriage
While all relationships can reflect God, none is as striking as the relationship between husband and wife, which serves as the clearest earthly image of the Trinity. The love shared between spouses mirrors the divine love within the Trinity and has the potential to create new life.
Marriage is a profound responsibility, as couples are called to be an image of God to the world.
“Sterilizing” the Sacrament of Marriage
Marriage, as a sacrament, reflects God’s love. Just as a priest must never intentionally hinder the sacraments—like refusing to consecrate the Eucharistor absolve sins—a married couple should never block the life-giving potential of their union.
Contraception “sterilizes” the act of love, while Natural Family Planning cooperates with the body’s natural rhythms. NFP respects the sanctity of life, making it fundamentally different from contraception, which works against it.
Some may argue that the end result of NFP and contraception is the same—no conception. However, just as there’s a significant difference between allowing a natural death and causing one through euthanasia, there’s a difference between working with the body’s natural cycles and actively preventing life.
Natural Family Planning allows Catholic couples to responsibly align with God’s plan, though they must avoid a “contraceptive mentality.” As Christians, we are called to embrace sacrifice, not the comfort-driven mindset of the modern world. Following Christ means denying ourselves and carrying our cross, trusting in God’s help even when we struggle.
FAQ: Understanding Natural Family Planning as a Catholic
1. What is Natural Family Planning (NFP)?
Natural Family Planning (NFP) is a method for planning or postponing pregnancy by observing and tracking a woman’s natural signs of fertility. Unlike contraceptives, which artificially prevent conception, NFP works with the body’s natural rhythms, respecting the sanctity of marriage and God’s design for human sexuality.
2. How is NFP different from contraception?
- NFP: Involves periodic abstinence during fertile periods, allowing couples to cooperate with the natural fertility cycle. It respects the sacredness of the marital act and the openness to life.
- Contraception: Involves artificial methods to block conception, which the Church teaches is contrary to God’s plan for marriage and sexuality. Contraception intentionally sterilizes the act of love, while NFP cooperates with God’s design.
3. Why does the Catholic Church encourage NFP?
The Church teaches that marriage reflects God’s love, and the marital act should always remain open to life. NFP aligns with these teachings by respecting the natural order of human sexuality, fostering communication and sacrifice between spouses, and honoring God’s plan for life and love.
4. Isn’t the result of NFP and contraception the same (no pregnancy)?
While the outcomes may appear similar, the methods are fundamentally different. NFP works with the body’s natural cycles, allowing for responsible decision-making in line with God’s design. Contraception, on the other hand, actively prevents life and “sterilizes” the marital act, which the Church teaches is morally wrong. It’s comparable to the difference between allowing a natural death and causing one through euthanasia.
5. Is NFP effective?
Yes, when practiced correctly, NFP is highly effective for both achieving and postponing pregnancy. It requires understanding and tracking fertility signs, often with the guidance of an instructor. Modern NFP methods are scientifically validated and can be as effective as artificial contraception.
6. What are the spiritual benefits of using NFP?
- Deepens Marital Communication: Couples must work together to observe and understand fertility cycles, fostering trust and openness.
- Encourages Sacrifice and Self-Control: NFP requires periodic abstinence, which strengthens the marital bond and reinforces the virtue of self-discipline.
- Aligns with God’s Will: It helps couples align their family planning decisions with faith, embracing God’s plan for marriage and life.
7. How does NFP reflect the Trinity?
Marriage mirrors the Holy Trinity, where love between the Father and the Son is so real that it generates the Holy Spirit. Similarly, the love between husband and wife has the potential to create new life. NFP honors this sacred image by respecting the life-giving nature of marriage.
8. Does NFP work for all couples?
Yes, NFP is adaptable to various circumstances, including irregular cycles, breastfeeding, and pre-menopause. With proper instruction and commitment, it can be a practical and spiritually enriching option for all married couples.
9. How do I get started with NFP?
- Find an Instructor: The USCCB provides resources to connect with NFP instructors in your area.
- Educational Materials: Books, talks, and courses are available to help couples understand and implement NFP effectively.
- Online Resources: Many organizations offer digital tools and apps to track fertility.
10. What if I struggle with NFP?
Struggling with NFP is normal, especially in the beginning. The Church encourages couples to persevere, seek support from instructors, and turn to prayer for strength. Remember, the goal is to grow in trust, communication, and unity as a couple.
11. Is NFP just for Catholics?
NFP is for everyone! While Natural Family Planning aligns closely with Catholic teachings, it is a natural, science-based method that can benefit anyone seeking an ethical and effective way to manage fertility.
Additional Resources
To find an NFP instructor and access other resources to learn how to implement NFP, head to the USCCB.
For more learning, check out Dr. Monique Ruberu’s talk from SEEK24 on “Why NFP Rocks and Contraceptives Don’t.“
To access deeper education on the role of the family in the sacrament of marriage and God’s desires for the family and marriage, you can read FOCUS’ Sr. Vice President of Apostolic Outreach, Dr. Edward Sri’s book, “Men, Women, and the Mystery of Love: Practical Insights from John Paul II’s Love and Responsibility.“
For even more great Catholic resources, check out our podcast, which features talks from our SEEK conference, and our YouTube channel for videos and more!
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