Natural Family Planning

Natural Family Planning (NFP) is a general term for methods of achieving or postponing pregnancy based upon observation of the natural indicators of fertile and infertile times in a woman’s menstrual cycle. NFP is a holistic approach to reproductive health and responsible parenthood. 

For Engaged and Married Couples:  Married love offers a matchless privilege to a husband and wife - through their bodily expression of total love, spouses have the potential to bring forth new life!  This is both a great joy and responsibility.  Natural Family Planning (NFP) allows spouses to discern together what is God's plan for their family, while honoring the life-giving capacity of their marital union.

For teens and single women:  All women can benefit from tracking the signs of their cycles to know their bodies better.  Daily charting helps women to recognize the signs of a healthy cycle, and to note any irregularities such as painful periods, abnormal bleeding, or unusual discharge.  Fertility Awareness enables women to monitor their overall health and, if necessary, to provide valuable information to their doctors. ACOG recommends Fertility Charting as Vital Health Sign

Visit NFP Journey for an introduction to charting, different NFP methods, and the benefits of NFP.  Head to NFP CLasses  for a schedule of programs around the diocese and to Resources for Couples for links to charting apps, websites, and Catholic teaching.  Parish Resources offers help for integrating NFP into parish programs and liturgy.

Email jfullin@columbuscatholic.org if you have any further questions, or call
Office of Marriage and Family Life at 614-241-2560.