Justifiable Reasons for Using NFP

“The married couple is “capable of the greatest gift possible, to be cooperators with God for giving new life to a person”

Pope John Paul II, Letter to Families

The first thing to remember is that a child is always a gift of God. A child is never a failure or a mistake. A married couple cooperates with God in creating that new life.

NFP may be used only if there is a serious reason for delaying childbirth. For example:

1. A serious threat to the life of the mother

2. Physical or mental health problems of the spouses

3. The moral impossibility of bringing up another child

§ A lack of basic material resources for life, such as money, food, shelter. EXCEPTION: Having to accept a lower lifestyle doesn’t count. If a couple must lower their living standard to care for another child, they should do so in light of their Christian obligation to live a frugal, sharing lifestyle.

4. Work for the common good of the country or Church that would prohibit a child’s education.

[1] The Family Life Institute has produced Steven Bozza’s, Begotten Not Made: Guide to Pastoral Care of Couples Experiencing Infertility. www.familylifeinstitute.com