THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ARTIFICIAL FAMILY PLANNING (AFP)
With the considerations last week of TYPICAL and PERFECT use in mind, the following effectiveness rates are noted for common methods of artificial family planning. [1]
| METHOD | TYPICAL USE | PERFECT USE |
| Oral Contraceptives | 91% | 99% |
| Diaphragm | 84% | 94% |
| Male Condom | 82% | 98% |
| Depo-Provera | 94% | 99% |
| LONG ACTING/PERMANENT | ||
| Implant | 99% | 99% |
| Sterilization | 99.5% | 99.5% |
| Intrauterine Device (IUD) | 99.4% | 99.6% |
We see from this table that the range of TYPICAL USE for short acting methods of artificial family planning is from 82% to 94% – with oral contraceptives at 91%. We also see much higher effectiveness rates – close to 100% – with either sterilization or with long acting means of contraception such as the intra-uterine-device (IUD) and the Implant. However, the increased effectiveness comes at a cost: Sterilization is permanent and mostly irreversible. The IUD has its own set of side effects and as we have noted in our previous discussions, its mechanism of action is at times “post-fertilization” because they are abortifacients. They do NOT prevent pregnancy but rather ensure that the newly conceived baby is killed. That is called ABORTION!
Abortion offends God. It is a sin against the 5th Commandment. It is an injustice against the innocent unborn child and against humanity. It desecrates marriage and family! Why would any couple who on their wedding day committed themselves to accept children as gifts from God, intentionally involve themselves in an act that would cause death to the child/children that God gives them? Why live with such an unhealthy conscience in addition to all the other possible disastrous effects on the health of the wife and on the wellbeing of the family?
Remember beloved couples, you do not have to become pregnant with every marital sexual act, hence God offers you the precious gift of natural family planning! Following the natural rhythm of your wife’s own body ensures healthy body and peace of mind! This is referred to as Green or Organic Sex for healthier wife/mother, happy couple and peaceful home; the “Best Formula” for family wellbeing, progress and prosperity! Think it through dear Friends!
Meanwhile,
remember to ask our Mother Mary for help and direction during your October
devotion and please do not forget to pray always as a family. For it is true
that: “A Family that prays together, stays together”. Till next week
when we will also show the effectiveness of NFP in a tabulated form, remain
blessed!
[1] Contraceptive Technology, 18th and 20th Editions; Center for Disease Control Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Appendix D: Contraceptive Effectiveness, April 25, 2014 / 63(RR04);47-47