“Last week (Feb. 12) I had sent an announcement from Marquette University’s Institute of NFP concerning the recruitment of volunteers for a federally funded NFP study. In my communication with you, I neglected to add that the announcement was that from the official grantee, written in secular language and not edited for a Catholic audience. This e-mail is to apologize for any confusion or offense as well as provide some context so that you may be encouraged to promote participation in this study.

The U.S. federal government called for NFP research proposals in June 2008 through their department of Health and Human Services. This was a highly competitive grant that was issued at the very end of the Bush administration. The panel of reviewers who examined the grant proposals were from the field of family planning research and not wholly supportive of this study grant.

In order to obtain the grant funds, the staff of Marquette University’s NFP Institute had to use some of the language that is acceptable to the review panel (e.g., “sexually committed partners” rather than “married couples,” etc.). Marquette, and Georgetown University’s Institute for Reproductive Health were the only Catholic NFP organization to win the grant. The other awardees were secular groups.

Marquette’s announcement for recruitment of volunteers was the official text from the awarded grant. It could not be edited due to the requirements of the grant; however, I should have warned you to re-write the announcement if you had wanted to use it in a church setting. Neither this office nor that of Marquette University’s Institute of NFP meant to convey that marriage was “optional.”

With regard to the importance of the research, it is most definitely worthy of attention. This kind of NFP effectiveness study has been needed and costs a great deal of money. To have the Federal Government fund it, will be to all our advantage.

Dr. Fehring has done solid scientific work over the years and is well published in peer-reviewed journals. His dedication, professionalism, and faithfulness to the Catholic Church is unquestionable. So few Catholic scientists have responded to Paul VI’s call for more scientific study on the natural methods, that it is important to support those who generously and competently come forward. I again apologize for any misunderstanding or offense and ask you to consider passing this information along to married couples who may want to participate in the study.”

If you have any questions or concerns beyond that, I might suggest contacting Dr. Fehring or Theresa Notare.

I kinda wish we were available for the study, but I’d hate to abandon my trusty CCL method!

And alison, I do like that feature as well. While it’s important to measure effectiveness in postponing pregnancy, it defies the spirit of NFP consider conception a failure. It’s all about intention and dignity, I think.

Does anyone else think it’s a little funny that they bolded and underlined “woman” to clarify who’s cycle is being charted???