What Women Want

A common response from women upon discovering the newer, scientifically advanced forms of natural family planning is “Why haven’t I heard of this before?” Or, upon finding a physician who does not provide contraception and is able to offer the medical applications of NFP, they will commonly say “Why did I have to hunt so hard to find a doctor that understands NFP?” Even medical students and residents, after learning the advantages of the approach of Restorative Reproductive Medicine, will question “Why aren’t the medical schools across the country teaching this?”

When one hears the truth, it resonates. Regardless of faith or cultural background, natural means of fertility appreciation have a beauty and wisdom that just make sense.

The September 2013 issue of Cosmopolitan published the results of a survey of unmarried American women, ages 18-29, regarding their views towards contraception. This slice of the population experiences two million unplanned pregnancies per year. The survey reflects common concerns of women using the generally accepted methods of contraception in this country.

One-third of the women expressed concern regarding how the pill might effect their future fertility. The medical warnings, such as those in the television ads, scared 26% of the women. When talking to their friends, 54% of them report conversations about their experience of side effects of the Pill like weight gain and mood swings. A sense that it is “unnatural” is a reason cited by 17% for wanting to avoid the Pill. For 25% of women, taking a pill daily just doesn’t work. Regarding the effect on their relationship, 13% reported that not using contraception, specifically condoms, showed the relationship was more serious, and “sex is just better without protection” was the view of 39% of the women.

Interesting, only 5% stated they could not afford contraception.

When asked what they were looking for in a family planning method, the top four desired characteristics were effectiveness, affordability, ease of use and health effects.

For those whose agenda is to increase contraceptive use, these answers are alarming. Only 3% of the women surveyed were concerned with religious or moral issues when choosing contraception, yet their answers reflect the natural tendency to want to work in cooperation with our how we are designed, physically and emotionally. “Natural sex” (what they labeled as non-contraceptive/unprotected sex) strengthens the relationship and increases enjoyment.

Natural Family Planning excels in each of the four characteristics they prioritize in a family planning method. The more scientifically advanced methods of natural family planning are more effective than the Pill in avoiding pregnancy, and are extremely cost effective and easy to use. Not only do natural methods NOT cause health problems, they are key in detecting early signs of disease.

This survey demonstrates that even when women haven’t been exposed to (or even heard of) NFP, the truth and beauty of it will resonate with them when they do.

It is the mission of all of us involved in CANFP, that all women can access the insights gained through NFP, and experience within marriage the unity that is yearned for, a yearning imprinted in the very fabric of our flesh.