[Maximilian]

Ping to Post #6.

This is very interesting new data. I have long been skeptical of the "success" claims made by promoters of NFP. My experience and my observation of acquaintances and NFP forums like EWTN and the Couple to Couple League indicate that the "success" rate is much, much lower than what they are claiming. This study confirms what I have suspected, the ovulation cycle is more complex than how it has been represented.

I put the word "success" in quotes because I do not consider it a success when a couple avoids having children. "Generously accepting children from God -- in whatever number He chooses to send them," is the truly Catholic approach. This scientific data merely confirms for me the frustration -- both natural and supernatural -- which accompanies the attempt to control God's providence.

[ThomasMore]

"Generously accepting children from God -- in whatever number He chooses to send them," is the truly Catholic approach.

So you agree with the "providentialists" and see as "inferior" those using NFP?

[al_c]

the "success" rate is much, much lower than what they are claiming.

When practiced properly, the success rate is exactly as they claim. The problem is ... folks "cheat" or do not learn NFP as it is supposed to be taught. That is why they fail.

[HowlinglyMind-BendingAbsurdity]

I put the word "success" in quotes because I do not consider it a success when a couple avoids having children.

Love it. You win this week's Chesterton Award for Catholic Irony and Understatement.

I'm very glad my parents were less "successful" and we managed to get a few more wonderful and brilliant siblings, without whom things would have been far less enjoyable. It gave a chance for the older children to learn how to administer diapers, bottles, and baby formula as well.