First, with so much confusion abounding, a word on what Natural Family Planning (NFP) is not: It is not  the antiquated and often-ineffective rhythm method. Modern NFP (also known as the Ovulation Method, the Sympto-Thermal Method, or the Creighton Model) is a thoroughly researched, safe, medically effective and family-supportive method of fertility regulation which can be used either to avoid a pregnancy or to achieve one. It has been used effectively worldwide for over 20 years.

NFP is completely natural and does not use drugs, devices or surgery. It is simply a method of recognizing and charting the easily observable signs of fertility exhibited by a woman's body. Then by applying a few simply guidelines, these observations can be used by a couple to avoid a pregnancy or to assist in achieving one. Studies by the World Health Organization have concluded that couples who learn the Ovulation Method from a certified instructor and apply the guidelines conscientiously can achieve a 98.6-99 percent effectiveness rate in avoiding pregnancy.

Printed with permission from Natural Family Planning Outreach.

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