Posted on 06/12/2006 1:41:18 PM PDT by NYer
Seattle, Jun. 12, 2006 (CNA) - A relatively new method of regulating fertility is catching on around the world. CycleBeads are 95 percent effective and, in themselves, do not conflict with Catholic teachings related to reproduction and fertility.
The CycleBeads, which consist of 32 beads in three colors, is a fertility awareness-based method that helps plan or prevent pregnancy naturally.
Victoria Jennings, an anthropologist and director of Georgetown's Institute for Reproductive Health, believes women are looking for non-hormonal, non-invasive ways to control their fertility.
She and other researchers at Georgetown University conducted a scientific trial of the beads they call "The Standard Days Method" (SDM) of family planning, reported the Seattle Post Intelligencer.
The trials were conducted on women in Bolivia, Peru and the Philippines for up to 13 menstrual cycles. Researchers discovered that fewer than 5 percent of women using the beads became pregnant compared with about 8 percent of women who become pregnant while consistently using a diaphragm.
The team began their research in 2000, using data from the World Health Association. They assembled a computer model based on cycles of 26 to 32 days. On average, days eight to nineteen were most likely to be fertile days.
Jennings said the beads are catching on around the world, with more than one million users, reported the newspaper. In the United States, there are between 50,000 and 75,000 users.
In addition, there are no side effects and it's inexpensive. Beads sell for about $14 in local pharmacies, reported the Seattle Post Intelligencer. Medicaid covers them in Washington state, and the Seattle/King County health department sells them for about $4.50. Some women even make their own beads.
Dear Romulus,
In that the poster to whom I was replying seemed not to recognize that different means to the same end may differ in their moral valance, that was the point that I addressed.
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!
sitetest
He still doesn't recognize it.
Thank you for such a carefully-thought-out and well-written post. You are quite right. For my part, I am often appalled at the insensitivity of my own conscience, and though I pray that God would show me my hidden sins, it's rather dreadful to think that someday He actually will. (Before my death, I hope, so that I can make an honest repentance.)
So, you're getting married! Good, good, good. Wonderful for both of you! I pray that the Lord of the Marriage Feast will give you and your bride every possible joy and blessing.
Thanks for your kind wishes.
He still doesn't recognize it. (Referring to yourself.)
You can't mean that.
End: I want to give my son a birthday cake.
Means #1: I buy him a cake.
Means #2: I break the display window at a bakery and steal a cake.
You don't think the choice of means makes a moral difference?
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