Natural Family Planning (NFP)

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  1. Description and bioethical analysis of:
    • Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis PGD
    • Surrogate motherhood
    • “Snowflake babies”
    • Artificial insemination
  2. What is Natural Family Planning (NFP)?
  3. Describe the 3 Primary ovulation symptoms.
  4. Describe the 7 Secondary ovulation symptoms.
  5. Describe various protocols and methods available today.
  6. Describe some ways in which NFP is healthier than contraception.
  7. Bioethical evaluation of NFP as a means and as an end.
  8. Read and summarize ERD paragraphs #: 38, 39, 42, 43, 44, 52.

Natural Family Planning (NFP)

1. Description and Bioethical Analysis:

Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD): PGD is a reproductive technology used to test embryos for genetic disorders before implantation. It involves the removal of one or more cells from an early-stage embryo and analyzing their genetic makeup. This technique enables parents to select embryos free from specific genetic conditions before undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). Bioethical concerns include potential embryo selection based on non-medical traits, the fate of unused embryos, and the possibility of contributing to a “designer baby” mentality.

Surrogate Motherhood: Surrogate motherhood involves a woman (surrogate) carrying a pregnancy and giving birth on behalf of another individual or couple. It can be gestational, where the surrogate is not genetically related to the child, or traditional, where the surrogate provides her own egg. Ethical considerations revolve around the autonomy and well-being of both the surrogate and the intended parents, the potential for exploitation, and the emotional and psychological impact on all parties involved.

“Snowflake Babies”: Snowflake babies refer to embryos that have been cryopreserved (frozen) during IVF procedures and later donated or adopted by other couples. These embryos are thawed and implanted into the uterus of the adopting mother. Ethical questions relate to the status and rights of these frozen embryos, the emotional and psychological implications for the adopting parents, and the potential commodification of human life.

Artificial Insemination: Artificial insemination involves the introduction of sperm into a woman’s reproductive tract for the purpose of achieving pregnancy. It can be done using the partner’s sperm or donor sperm. Ethical considerations include issues of informed consent, the possibility of anonymous sperm donation leading to unknown genetic origins, and the potential consequences for the child’s identity and well-being.

2. Natural Family Planning (NFP): NFP refers to methods of family planning that involve tracking a woman’s menstrual cycle to identify fertile and infertile periods. Couples can then choose to abstain from sexual intercourse during fertile times to prevent pregnancy. NFP methods include tracking basal body temperature, cervical mucus consistency, and calendar-based calculations.

3. Primary Ovulation Symptoms:

  • Basal Body Temperature (BBT): A slight increase in body temperature after ovulation.
  • Cervical Mucus Changes: Changes in vaginal discharge consistency and appearance, becoming clear and slippery during fertile periods.
  • Cervical Position: The cervix changes position and becomes softer and more open during ovulation.

4. Secondary Ovulation Symptoms:

  • Breast Tenderness
  • Heightened Sense of Smell
  • Increased Libido
  • Mild Pelvic Pain
  • Abdominal Bloating
  • Mild Spotting
  • Heightened Senses (taste, vision, hearing)

5. Various Protocols and Methods: Various protocols and methods for NFP include the Symptothermal Method, Billings Ovulation Method, Standard Days Method, and TwoDay Method. These methods involve tracking multiple signs and symptoms of ovulation to pinpoint fertile and infertile phases.

6. Health Benefits of NFP Over Contraception:

  • No Health Risks: NFP methods do not involve the use of artificial hormones or devices, avoiding associated health risks.
  • Awareness of Reproductive Health: NFP encourages couples to understand their bodies’ natural rhythms and fosters communication.
  • Cultural and Religious Considerations: NFP aligns with the beliefs of some religious and cultural communities that oppose artificial contraception.

7. Bioethical Evaluation of NFP: NFP can be seen as ethically sound as both a means of family planning and as an end in itself. As a means, it respects the natural processes of the body and promotes communication and mutual understanding between partners. As an end, NFP promotes self-discipline and shared responsibility in family planning while respecting the dignity of human life.

 

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