Difficult Topics | Contraception

Introduction

Perhaps one of the most consequential decisions a wife and her husband can make in their marriage is how and when to bring new life into the world. While various forms of contraception are pervasive in our world, many Catholics are unaware of the scientific, moral, and healthy alternatives to contraceptive products for family planning. It is imperative to demonstrate that there are healthy, natural family planning alternatives.

Recommended Formed Resources:

What is Natural Family Planning (NFP)?

Natural Family Planning (NFP) is the general title for the scientific, natural, and moral methods of family planning that can help married couples achieve or postpone pregnancy. NFP methods are based on observing the naturally occurring signs and symptoms of the fertile and infertile phases of a woman's menstrual cycle. No drugs, devices, or surgical procedures are used to avoid pregnancy. Since the methods of NFP respect the love-giving (unitive) and life-giving (procreative) nature of the conjugal act, they support God's design for married love.

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Catholic Teaching on Contraception and Natural Family Planning (NFP)

Humanae Vitae

The papal encyclical Humanae Vitae (HV), written by Pope St. Paul VI in 1968, provides beautiful and clear teachings about God's plan for married love and the transmission of life. Below, you will find resources that will help you deepen your understanding of these teachings.

Pastoral Resources

Below, you will find resources that will help you deepen your understanding of Catholic teachings.

Book Recommendations

NFP Resources and References: Other Online Sources

Many of the topics below are posted throughout the NFP Section of the USCCB website. They are listed here for ease of reference and include links to other topics of interest and USCCB pages relevant to the human person, human sexuality, the virtue of chastity, marriage, conjugal love, responsible parenthood, procreation, children, and the family.

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