The Pill made headlines last week when researchers from the University of Oxford concluded that the use of progesterone-only contraceptive pills is associated with a small increase in the risk of breast cancer.
The debate about the potential health risks associated with the Pill is far from over, but for Catholics, whatever the risks, the Church’s position on contraception is well-known.
Pope John Paul II said in 1994 during an audience at Castel Gondolfo, “when there is a reason not to procreate, this choice is permissible and may even be necessary”. But he was quick to qualify that “there remains the duty of carrying it out with criteria and methods that respect the total truth of the marital act in its unitive and procreative dimension, as wisely regulated by nature itself in its biological rhythms. One can comply with them and use them to advantage, but they cannot be ‘violated’ by artificial interference.”
We live in a society which is increasingly wary of artificial interference when it comes to what we expose our bodies to. If we consider the high price people will pay for organic foods, organic cosmetics and natural cleaning products, it is clear that many people prefer the natural option for a number of reasons including better health. I wouldn’t be surprised then, if women are becoming uneasy with the hormonal manipulation which they know takes place when they take the Pill.
With more women delaying pregnancy until thirties, there also seems to be heightened awareness of the value of fertility. Once you decide you want to get pregnant, there are hundreds of apps out there designed to help you conceive as quickly as possible.
Yet the Church remains reluctant to share its best kept secret- Natural Fertility Awareness. The reality is that while Catholic couples are taught not to resort to methods such as the Pill, many will if they are scared of pregnancy for serious reasons but know of no alternative. Consider, for example, the woman who has had three caesarian sections and has been warned by doctors that another pregnancy could prove life-threatening.
Few outside the Church would think so, but the Catholic Church has genuine form and authority on this issue of fertility. The Billings Method dates back as far as the 1950s and the Creighton Method emerged about 30 years later, along with the creation of the Saint Paul VI Institute, which has successfully pioneered NaProTECHNOLOGY(Natural Procreative Technology) in support of women’s gynaecological health.
Why is this message not getting through? Someone told me recently that if you want to establish good habits, then start by making it easy. When it comes to NFP, the Church can begin by making the practice far more accessible for engaged and married couples. The early stages of learning NFP are overwhelming as it is- being handed a paper chart the size of a broadsheet newspaper and lots of little stickers, makes it seem even harder. Somebody out there, please create a decent app!
It’s also hard to find instructors. For too long, it’s usually a case of driving to another diocese or parish to find “the NFP Couple” willing to teach you their method of choice. But a comprehensive module on NFP should be a prerequisite for any marriage preparation course with experienced practitioners supporting couples.
Perhaps the Church’s reluctance to publicise its experience on the topic of women’s fertility is due to the historic misunderstanding that it’s recommending the rhythm method, which is not a reliable method of predicting ovulation.
But it’s time to move on and set the record straight. The Catholic Church has something credible to offer women who need to avoid pregnancy for serious reasons, achieve pregnancy and better understand their gynaecological health. It is time to stop hiding this.
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