Natural Family Planning (NFP) is an umbrella term for certain methods used to achieve and avoid conception. These methods are based on the observation of the naturally occurring signs and symptoms of the fertile and infertile phases of a woman's menstrual cycle.

Some natural methods include use of fertility monitors to better understand the time of the wife's fertility. Married couples using NFP to postpone conception abstain from intercourse and genital contact during the fertile phase of the wife's cycle. No drugs, devices, or surgical procedures are used to avoid pregnancy. Married couples who use NFP to attempt a pregnancy, make use of the fertile window—the optimum time when
conception is likely.

NFP reflects the dignity of the human person within the context of marriage and family life, promotes openness to life, and recognizes the value of the child. By respecting the love-giving and life-giving natures of marriage, NFP can enrich the bond between husband and wife. (Standards for Diocesan Natural Family Planning Ministry, p. 23)

In this 60-minute live online video presentation, you will learn the details of human fertility, the basics of Natural Family Planning (NFP), and theological reasons for why the Catholic Church asks couples to use NFP in their marriage. Afterward, someone from our team will reach out to schedule a short conversation about which NFP method will work best for the specific circumstances of your life.

This introductory NFP class is designed for:

• engaged couples who are completing their pre-Cana/marriage preparation courses through the Catholic Church, and
• married couples who just want to know more about how NFP works and explore the different options.

Details and registration can be found here.

For answers to common questions about NFP, see this page from the USCCB website on NFP, or reach out to the Marriage & Family Team.