Expert: Edward Bode - 6/25/2005

Question
Dear Edward,

In my travels in NFP circles these days something brought to the forefront is that due to advances in scientific understanding NFP (when used to the letter of the law) is more or as effective as artificial birth control in avoiding conception.
I have heard a number of NFP moms brag about how well they can avoid pregnancy (assume that to God their reasons are grave as only a couple is the one to determine that) Exactly how is it that this makes them open to life? At least part of the definition of open to life is open to conceiving a child. They are 99.5% sure that conception is not a possibility and in fact this is their goal. They have intentionally and purposefully made sure that in fact no egg is present and conception will not take place. But for holiness sake, they are open to life?!!! Let's be honest with God and just admit that no we are not open to conceiving.

Granted we could have a whole discussion on whether or not NFP is really 99.5% effective over a 15 year time span. When in fact due to a variety of issues a couple may have this may not be true for every couple. I know that those who believe ABC is always intrinsically evil are not able or willing to acknowledge this.


Frequently I see weaved in this theology is that if this couple does get pregnant (using NFP) it is because God somehow caused a miraculous ovulation and not that in fact the couple charted wrong. Don't get me wrong I believe every conceived child is a precious gift of God regardless of the circumstances of their conception or the intention of the parents. I just think a bit more critically on the subject and the biological process of conception.

I am sure that science will advance further and in my lifetime and I will see fertility monitors that can with 99.5% accuracy predict the 6 day fertility window. (Ones do exist already but are not yet that precise.) This will certainly get rid of all the talk about NFP requiring more sacrifice and discipline than ABC.

Secondly, why is it that God would insist (according to the Catholic Church) that a woman, to whom pregnancy is life threatening, must remain open to having a baby?

I know I threw in a bit of rambling there but I hope you understand the heart of my questions.

Thanks,
Beth  

Answer
Beth, I am not a moral theologian.  
I am not sure how one balances giving the right to one's body for procreation with an intention of always avoiding pregnancy.  That issue belongs in the realm of moral theology and canon law.  
I would suggest that you contact your diocesan chancery for their expertise on these important issues, including openness to conception that could be life-threatening.
After your lenghtly writing, I am sorry to have to disappoint you without a meaningful reply.  I did not want simply to check the "beyond my competence" button.
I am impressed with your seeking for truth.
Best wishes, Beth.