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Also called fertility awareness, Natural Family Planning (NFP) is a term used to naturally achieve or postpone pregnancy. These methods are based on observation of the naturally occurring signs and symptoms of the fertile and infertile phases of a woman's cycle. No drugs, devices, or surgical procedures are used to postpone pregnancy. NFP reflects the dignity of the woman 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.
Since the methods of NFP respect the love-giving (unitive) and life-giving (procreative) nature of the conjugal act, they support God's design for married love! Married couples are able to deepen conjugal love and achieve responsible parenthood which is part of the Church's total pastoral ministry to Catholic spouses. Fulfillment of this ministry includes both education and pastoral care. This means "instilling conviction and offering practical help to those who wish to live out their parenthood in a truly responsible way" (Familiaris consortio, 35).
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