If you’re an NFP fan (as opposed to FAM–fertility awareness method), you probably get this question from your skeptical friends:
What’s the difference between NFP & Contraception? They can achieve the same end–postponing pregnancy–so what’s the difference? Isn’t NFP just “Catholic Birth Control”?
Although Providentialists & reactionary Catholics will tell you different, the answer is that they are different in their essence. Though it’s possible to have the same end, the means are different . Jason Evert explains the difference here quite well.
Great video of Jason Evert talking about Dating & Birth Control. To get to the part on BC, forward to about halfway through this clip.
9 Responses to Isn’t NFP Just “Catholic Birth Control”?
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This is such a common question and one that I struggled with when we first learned of NFP. Thanks for sharing this video, Jess!
NFP is not a birth control. We have to stop putting it in the same category. It is really not a pro-life term.
However, if we educate these types of people, asking the this question, on what each method of artificial birth control does to a woman, then they have the freedom to say, “I don’t want that.”
When we present them with NFP, it is not about preventing a birth, even though that can be achieved, it is about respecting the beauty and awe of a woman.
Jessica, I know I am preaching to the choir here. I just get so annoyed with that birth control mentality, and when it seeps into NFP I get annoyed even more. =)
NFP is assumed to be religious because it is associated with religious groups… see sites like http://www.phxnfp.org and http://nfpandmore.org, which defines NFP as “a way of following God’s plan for achieving and/or avoiding pregnancy. It consists of ways to achieve or to avoid pregnancy using the physical means that God has built into human nature.”
You’re very welcome, Dustin. Although this is not clearly an exhaustive answer to this important and oft-asked question, I think it’s a good primer. You’re welcome for the video–there’s nothing like hearing/ seeing Jason Evert give a talk! Not only is he accessible and funny, he does his research and is extremely well formed and well read.
Kim, I think the majority of people asking this question are either non-Catholic Christians (who like their contraception), unformed Catholics (all too many), or secular folks who don’t understand why Catholic morality is what it is and think we’re just being legalistic. Unfortunately, even though NFP is clearly very different (once you do your reading), many NFP classes are taught with a contraceptive mentality, as you say, with little theological explanation or reference to discerning just and serious reasons to postpone a pregnancy. You’re right–that is frustrating.
Having said that, technically speaking, and in restricted circles (of people who are well formed), I don’t object to the phrase “birth control.” Obviously the word is synonymous with contraception in our culture, but controlling births (in accordance with proper formation and right reason) isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Responsible parenthood is actually a good thing.
You might have objected to my former title working in the diocese of Madison: Family Planning Coordinator. One or two people did. Whilst the term family planning has a lot of baggage as well, we wanted to 1) reclaim the language of the world like JPII did when he reclaimed “feminism”, which many thought was a dirty word, 2) break down barriers, and 3) avoid the stereotypes people apply when they first hear “NFP.” True family planning is a beautiful thing, so my title was one example of using a common cultural term, baptizing it and purifying it, returning it to its fuller meaning–family.
Though we may disagree on that one point, I’m so glad you stopped by, and do what you do with NFP advocacy!
I didn’t say NFP wasn’t religious Michelle. That’s what sets NFP apart from Fertility Awareness Method. Thanks for stopping by, and let me know if you’re looking for more info on FAM.
Oh Jess, I know all of that and agree 100% =) . What you say about JP2 is right on the money also!! I definitely believe in responsible parenthood and try and practice it with my husband.
My point, more or less, was that some NFP teachers teach NFP as if it were a birth control. That can easily be distorted in the mind of a not so formed conscience. I have seen it first hand. When it is taught as a birth control, a very vital link gets left out. The couple has to know a serious reason is needed to avoid pregnancy. The serious reason shall be deemed only by the parents, led by the grace and wisdom of God.
I don’t mind the term, Planning Your Family, as it is the title of my blog
I thought your title was just quoting that ‘oh so drudging question’ that I get all of the time, how is NFP different from artificial birth control? I try and be as meek as I can, but I would usually like to say, “Well, how about the obvious for starters? It goes against the natural law of God?”
=)
Thanks for all of the time you put into your posts! I really do enjoy them!!
Kim
Glad we agree, Kim. I think it’s a pretty straightforward argument, but it still rubs some people the wrong way. I forgot that was the title of your blog–of course!
Yup, I agree that many NFP teachers do teach it as Catholic BC, which is a big problem. Unfortunately, oversight of NFP classes isn’t really practiced thoroughly, through ignorance, or largely through the lack of staffing, effort and availability.
Thanks for your readership and support–blogging isn’t always a bowl of cherries, and it doesn’t pay much (in my case, anyway).
[...] Though the end can be the same–97-99% effectiveness at postponing pregnancy, it’s fundamentally different. Further, NFP can also be used to achieve pregnancy for those wanting to get pregnancy, as well as [...]