This week I decided to interview Karen Berhow, an NFP facilitator, who has worked for many years with Couple to Couple League.
Q: "Karen, why is Natural Family Planning (NFP) good for you?"
Karen: "NFP is medically safe, highly effective, inexpensive, morally acceptable, and easy to learn.  Every couple using NFP, is free from drugs, devices and chemicals, which alter the normal reproductive system and cause unwanted and dangerous side effects.  NFP is a scientifically proven means by which a woman can very easily distinguish between when she is fertile and when she is not by simply observing one or more of her natural body signs.  And NFP helps couples to achieve as well as postpone pregnancy.  Also, NFP protects new life.  There is nothing to hinder the development of the newly conceived life in the womb.  Medical evidence shows that almost every form of chemical birth control (the Pill, the Shot, the Implant) as well as some contraceptive devices (such as the IUD) have the potential to cause a very early abortion in any given cycle.  NFP reminds us that our fertility is a gift and that children are precious blessings from God.  In using NFP, couples respect God's natural design in planning their family.  They do not separate the love and life aspects of the marital act.  Furthermore, NFP helps build communication and respect, and enhances intimacy between spouses.  The divorce rate among couples who use NFP is almost non-existent!"
Q: "Karen, does NFP really work?"
Karen: "The 'good news' about modern NFP is that it does work!  Numerous studies, including those done by the U.S. Government Dept. of Health, and the World Health Organization (WHO), show modern NFP to be every bit as effective as the most effective contraceptive - over 99% effective in postponing pregnancy.  It is also very helpful to couples when they wish to achieve pregnancy."
Q: "How can couples find out more about NFP?"
Karen: "There are five NFP Providers with qualified instructors in the Twin Cities area teaching both the Ovulation Method and the Sympto-Thermal Method of Natural Family Planning.  Both methods are equally effective, and classes are readily available, in group, or individual settings.  For more information, anyone may call me, Karen Berhow, NFP Facilitator, at the Office of Marriage and Family Life at 651-291-4489, for a brochure with a list of NFP Providers.  Or you may look them up on their web site or contact them by phone at the following:
Billings Ovulation Method:   www.boma-usa.org or www.billingsmethod.com  -  612-789-9422
Couple to Couple League:  www.ccli.org  -  612-721-3791
Family of the Americas Foundation:                           
www.familyplanning.net  -  952-934-0382