PARISH of the HOLY EUCHARIST

Natural Family Planning (NFP) is a safe, effective way to help a couple determine when sexual intercourse can and cannot result in pregnancy. It is not contraception. When used properly, modern methods of NFP are safe and clinically proven to be highly effective at avoiding pregnancy. These methods are not the old "rhythm method." Modern methods of NFP are based on the readily observable signs of fertility and infertility present in each menstrual cycle. So any woman, regardless of the regularity or irregularity of her cycles, can use NFP effectively.

NFP has no harmful physical side effects. It fosters authentic marital love, respect, honesty, and couple communication. It also fosters trust in God and an authentic marital spirituality that deepens the couple's relationship with Christ and his Church. NFP, when used properly, is "marriage insurance." Surveys indicate couples who practice NFP have a practically non-existent divorce rate. This is because practicing NFP fosters those very same virtues that are necessary for a healthy marriage. It allows intercourse to be a true expression, renewal, and deepening of the couple's commitment to their marriage vows.*

*Portland Diocese Website