Natural Family Planning

What is it?

Natural Family Planning (NFP) is an umbrella term for certain methods used to achieve and postpone pregnancies.

How does it work?

NFP 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. No drugs, devices, or surgical procedures are used to avoid pregnancy.

What does the Catholic Church say about NFP?

When used properly, 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.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Is NFP based on guess-work?
• Who can use NFP?
• What are the methods of NFP?
• What are the signs of fertility?
• How does NFP work?
• What are the benefits of using NFP?
• How effective are NFP methods for avoiding pregnancy?
• Where can I learn how to use NFP?

Used with permission from the NFP Program, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. All rights reserved.

More information on Love & Sexuality available here (USCCB)

Local NFP Doctors

Natural Family Planning Instruction

Natural Family Planning Center of Dallas
nfpcdallas.com

Couple to Couple League
972-424-0828
ccli.org  ·  dfwnfp.org

Billings Ovulation Method
thebillingsovulationmethod.org  ·  www.boma-usa.org

Creighton Model Fertility Care System
creightonmodel.com  ·  fertilitycare.org

Find local NFP classes at prolifedallas.org/calendar.

Additional Resources

Pope Paul VI Institute:  

Information on the Pope Paul VI Institute, benefits of the Creighton Model Fertility Care System of NFP, how to learn the method, and how to contact a practitioner

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on NFP:

A Catholic educational resource from the USCCB providing Natural Family Planning resources, explaining the Church's teaching on contraception, NFP and more

For Your Marriage:   

An initiative of the USCCB with resources about getting married and maintaining a healthy Catholic marriage, including information on Natural Family Planning

Family of the Americas:  

Promotes family unity by encouraging parents to meet their mutual responsibilities to each other and to their children through multiple programs, including natural family planning

One More Soul: 

A non-profit organization dedicated to spreading the truth about the blessings of children and the harms of contraception through vast educational resources such as cassettes, videos and books (includes NFP-only directory of local medical practitioners and teachers)

Natural Family Planning Outreach 

A comprehensive clearinghouse for accurate, practical, up-to-date information on Natural Family Planning, its practice, its effectiveness, its benefits and its underlying moral principles; provides missions and seminars on the importance of NFP in the vocation of marriage (Speakers include Father Daniel McCaffrey and Fr. Matthew Habiger OSB)