While this site is not an official site of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, every effort has been made to ensure that it is consistent with Church teachings. Many of the quotes on this site can be researched at the Church's official site. |
This site is dedicated to sharing the good news of Natural Family Planning (NFP) with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! The Lord has always blessed us with natural means to avoid pregnancy that were as effective as contraceptive methods available at that time. Still today, modern NFP methods are as effective or more effective than any method on the market in avoiding pregnancy. In addition, NFP gives us not only a means to avoid pregnancy, it gives us a means to achieve pregnancy as well. It is a true method of family planning in contrast to a contraceptive, which by definition means "against life". Our modern Prophets and General Authorities have warned us against the use of contraceptives. They speak of the damage that can be caused to couples physically, emotionally, and spiritually. They also have instructed us that in some cases their use may be necessary, such as, health of the mother or meeting basic financial needs. When contraceptives first became widely available and more useable (1960's) our leaders boldly spoke on many occasions against them. Even in Biblical times, people where encouraged of the Lord and through the Prophets to "multiply and replenish" (Gen. 1:28) and that "Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord" (Ps. 127:3). Under the topic of "Birth Control", the Bible Topical Guide lists many positive verses on the glory and joy of having children. Today, our First Presidency reiterates what the Lord declared from the beginning "We declare that God's commandment for his children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force." (See Proclamation to the World, 1995) We have become a contraceptive society. The use of contraceptives has become so commonplace that many Latter-day Saint couples have adopted the lifestyle as well. We have come to believe that it is normal, acceptable, and shameless to use them for any reason, even selfish reasons. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9. Many of our members are unaware of the teachings of our modern Prophets and General Authorities. Those who are aware of the teachings are often confused as to how to follow them in today's world. They may prayfully decide that it is not the time to bring a child into their family, yet without the use of contraceptives, they would be left to abstain genitally for long periods of time. Our Church Leaders have also taught that marital intimacy is good and necessary for uniting a couple and bringing them closer in spirit. We have been instructed to study the teaching of our Prophets and pray for guidance in all aspects of our lives. Couples may want to pray about how to avoid a pregnancy, if necessary, as well as when to bring children into their homes. Through the use of NFP, a couple is able to identify the fertile and infertile phases of the woman's menstrual cycle. When for personal reasons, the couple prayfully decides to avoid a pregnancy; this can be accomplished without the use of contraceptives--instead, with the use of self-control. During the infertile phases of the cycle, which God himself gave to us, the couple can again unite and "become one." Long periods of genital abstinence are not necessary. Couples who use NFP often speak of the marriage building aspects of periodic abstinence. They concentrate on non-genital ways of expressing their love during the fertile times if it is their intention to avoid a pregnancy. As they do this, they begin to relive their courting days and remember how their love grew even though they did not have genital contact. Then during the infertile times, they enjoy their honeymoon days all over again! |
"The First Commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God's commandment for his children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force.... We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm sanctity of life and its importance in God's eternal plan." The Family: A Proclamation to the world; The First Presidnency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of he Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 1995 |
Recent Statements on Family Planning "The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God's commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force." Children Are Becoming Less Valued President James E. Faust, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, addressed a "shift in attitude about the purpose of marriage. More and more young people view marriage 'as a couples relationship, designed to fulfill the emotional needs of adults, rather than an institution for bringing up children.' "Another disturbing challenge to the family," observed President Faust, "is that children are becoming less valued. In many parts of the world, people are having fewer children. Abortion is probably the clearest sign that couples do not want children. An estimated one-quarter of all pregnancies worldwide end by induced abortion." "Strengthening the Family: Multiply and Replenish the Earth," Ensign, Apr. 2005, 18 President Kimball said, "It is an act of extreme selfishness for a married couple to refuse to have children when they are able to do so." When married couples postpone childbearing until after they have satisfied their material goals, the mere passage of time assures that they seriously reduce their potential to participate in furthering our Heavenly Father's plan for all of his spirit children. Faithful Latter-day Saints cannot afford to look upon children as an interference with what the world calls "self-fulfillment." Our covenants with God and the ultimate purpose of life are tied up in those little ones who reach for our time, our love, and our sacrifices. How many children should a couple have? All they can care for! Of course, to care for children means more than simply giving them life. Children must be loved, nurtured, taught, fed clothed, housed, and well started in their capacities to be good parents themselves. Exercising faith in God's promises to bless them when they are keeping his commandments, many LDS parents have large families. Others seek but are not blessed with children or the number of children they desire. In a matter as intimate as this, we should not judge one another. Elder Dallin H. Oaks Conference Report, October 1993, Pg. 101 When we speak plainly of divorce, abuse, gender identity, contraception, abortion, parental neglect, we are thought by some to be way out of touch or to be uncaring. Some ask if we know how many we hurt when we speak plainly. Do we know of marriages in trouble, of the many who remain single, of single-parent families, of couples unable to have children, of parents with wayward children, or of those confused about gender? Do we know? Do we care? Those who ask have no idea how much we care; you know little of the sleepless nights, of the endless hours of work, of prayer, of study, of travel all for the happiness and redemption of mankind. Because we do know and because we do care, we must teach the rules of happiness without dilution, apology, or avoidance. That is our calling. I once learned a valuable lesson from a mission Relief Society president. In a conference, she announced some tightening up of procedures. A sister stood up and defiantly said, "Those rules can't apply to us! You don't understand us! We are an exception." That wonderful Relief Society president replied, "Dear sister, we'd like not to take care of the exception first. We will establish the rule first, and then we'll see to the exception." Many times I have borrowed from her wisdom, grateful for what she taught me. Boyd K. Packer "The Father and the Family," Ensign, May 1994 Thus we see that in marriage, a husband and wife enter into an order of the priesthood called the new and everlasting covenant of marriage. This covenant includes a willingness to have children and to teach them the gospel. Many problems of the world today are brought about when parents do not accept the responsibilities of this covenant. It is contradictory to this covenant to prevent the birth of children if the parents are in good health. Thirty-five years ago when I first started practicing medicine, it was a rare thing for a married woman to seek advice about how she could keep from having babies. When I finished practicing medicine, it was a rare thing, except for some faithful Latter-day Saint women, for a married woman to want to have more than one or two children, and some did not want any children. We in the Church must not be caught up in the false doctrines of the world that would cause us to break sacred temple covenants. "The Temple Is a Family Affair" Elder J. Ballard Washburn April 1995 General Conference Preparation also includes qualification for a temple recommend. Our Redeemer requires that His temples be protected from desecration. No unclean thing may enter His hallowed house. Yet anyone is welcome who prepares well. Each person applying for a recommend will be interviewed by a judge in Israel the bishop and by a stake president. They hold keys of priesthood authority and the responsibility to help us know when our preparation and timing are appropriate to enter the temple. Their interviews will assess several vital issues. They will ask if we obey the law of tithing, if we keep the Word of Wisdom, and if we sustain the authorities of the Church. They will ask if we are honest, if we are morally clean, and if we honor the power of procreation as a sacred trust from our Creator. Why are these issues so crucial? Because they are spiritual separators. They help to determine if we truly live as children of the covenant, able to resist temptation from servants of sin. These interviews help to discern if we are willing to live in accord with the will of the true and living God or if our hearts are still set "upon riches and . . . vain things of the world." Such requirements are not difficult to understand. Because the temple is the house of the Lord, standards for admission are set by Him. One enters as His guest. To hold a temple recommend is a priceless privilege and a tangible sign of obedience to God and His prophets. Elder Russell M. Nelson "Personal Preparation for Temple Blessings" General Conference Conferences April 2001 Temporal circumstances change, but the eternal laws and principles that should guide our choices never change. Jesus taught about priorities when He said, "Seek not the things of this world but seek ye first to build up the kingdom of God, and to establish his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you" (JST, Matt. 6:38, in (Matt. 6:33, footnote a). "Seek . . . first to build up the kingdom of God" means to assign first priority to God and to His work. The work of God is to bring to pass the eternal life of His children (see Moses 1:39), and all that this entails in the birth, nurturing, teaching, and sealing of our Heavenly Father's children. Everything else is lower in priority. In terms of priorities for each major decision (such as education, occupation, place of residence, marriage, or childbearing), we should ask ourselves, what will be the eternal impact of this decision? Some decisions that seem desirable for mortality have unacceptable risks for eternity. In all such choices we need to have inspired priorities and apply them in ways that will bring eternal blessings to us and to our family members. Elder Dallin H. Oaks "Focus and Priorities" General Conference April 2001 Sisters Empowered to Glorify God Sisters received special gifts. They, according to the Lord, were empowered "to multiply and replenish the earth, according to my commandment, and to fulfil the promise which was given by my Father before the foundation of the world, . . . for their exaltation in the eternal worlds, that they may bear the souls of men; . . . herein is the work of my Father continued, that he may be glorified." Think of it: When a mother bears and cares for a child, she not only helps the earth answer the end of its creation, but she glorifies God! "How Firm Our Foundation" Elder Russell M. Nelson Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles General Conference April 2002 When it comes to understanding our relationship with our Heavenly Father, the things my wife and I have learned as parents and grandparents that are of most worth knowing, we have learned from our children. This blessing has come to me as a gift from my wife. The Lord said of such women, "[A wife is given to a man] to multiply and replenish the earth, according to my commandment, and to fulfil the promise which was given by my Father before the foundation of the world, and for their exaltation in the eternal worlds, that they may bear the souls of men; for herein is the work of my Father continued, that he may be glorified" (D&C 132:63) "Children" President Boyd K. Packer Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles General Conference April 2002 People write asking what is the position of the Church on the Word of Wisdom, for instance, on soft drinks or something. And we think, "Why do they have to ask?" It is a principle, and you have the freedom to do as you will. You do not have to be commanded in all things. Without having to have the Church deliver a statement on it, you should know what the Lord's position is on abortion or cloning or same-gender marriage or birth control. All of those things are built in as a part of what we know and what we are. "The instrument of your mind and the foundation of your character" President Boyd K. Packer Acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve CES Fireside for Young Adults address given at Brigham Young University; February 2003 Reprinted in the LDS Church News |
Statements on Periodic Abstinence Birth control when necessary should be accomplished in nature's way, which does not injure the man or the woman. A careful recognition of the fertile and sterile periods of woman would prove effective in the great majority of cases. Recent knowledge of woman's physiology reveals "the natural method for controlling birth." This method "violates no principle of nature. Birth control as generally understood implies the use of physical or chemical means to prevent conception. A large number of these devices, known as contraceptives, are on the market. None of them is certain to accomplish the purpose desired. Besides, any contraceptive is unnatural and interferes in one way or another with the physiological processes of life. All of them are in varying degrees injurious to those who use them, especially to women. That may be safely contended. The ill effects may not be felt at once, but in time will overtake the parents to their detriment. Elder John A. Widtsoe Evidences and Reconciliations, Pg. 310-14 Where husband and wife enjoy health and vigor and are free from impurities that would be entailed upon their posterity, it is contrary to the teachings of the Church artificially to curtail or prevent the birth of children. We believe that those who practice birth control will reap disappointment by and by. However, we feel that men must be considerate of their wives who bear the greater responsibility not only of bearing children, but of caring for them through childhood. To this end the mother's health and strength should be conserved and the husband's consideration for his wife is his first duty, and self control a dominant factor in all their relationships. The First Presidency (David O. McKay, Hugh B. Brown, N. Eldon Tanner ) April 14, 1969. ...Those who resort to restrictive measures, respecting the number of children in the family, except it be by non-association of the husband and wife, trifle with the foundations of life, and will certainly invite the displeasure and righteous anger of an offended Creator, who gave to man and woman this God-like power for the express purpose of bringing the souls of men into the world. Rudger Clawson Relief Society Magazine, Vol. 3, No. 7, July 1916 The only legitimate "birth control" is that which springs naturally from the observance of divine laws, and the use of procreative powers, not for pleasure primarily, but for race perpetuation and improvement. During certain periods those of gestation and lactation the wife and mother should be comparatively free to give her strength to her offspring; and if this involves some self-denial on the part of the husband and father, so much the better for all concerned. Orson F. Whitney Relief Society Magazine, Vol. 3, No. 7, July 1916 Paul speaks of continence a word almost forgotten by our world. Still in the dictionary, it means self-restraint, in sexual activities especially. Many good people, being influenced by the bold spirit of the times, are now seeking surgery for the wife or the husband so they may avoid pregnancies and comply with the strident voice demanding a reduction of children. It was never easy to bear and rear children, but easy things do not make for growth and development. But loud, blatant voices today shout "fewer children" and offer the Pill, drugs, surgery, and even ugly abortion to accomplish that. Strange the proponents of depopulating the world seem never to have thought of continence! " Spencer W. Kimball Conference Report, April 1971, Pg. 7 |
This site is dedicated to sharing the good news of Natural Family Planning (NFP) with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! The Lord has always blessed us with natural means to avoid pregnancy that were as effective as contraceptive methods available at that time. Still today, modern NFP methods are as effective or more effective than any method on the market in avoiding pregnancy. In addition, NFP gives us not only a means to avoid pregnancy, it gives us a means to achieve pregnancy as well. It is a true method of family planning in contrast to a contraceptive, which by definition means "against life". Our modern Prophets and General Authorities have warned us against the use of contraceptives. They speak of the damage that can be caused to couples physically, emotionally, and spiritually. They also have instructed us that in some cases their use may be necessary, such as, health of the mother or meeting basic financial needs. When contraceptives first became widely available and more useable (1960's) our leaders boldly spoke on many occasions against them. Even in Biblical times, people where encouraged of the Lord and through the Prophets to "multiply and replenish" (Gen. 1:28) and that "Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord" (Ps. 127:3). Under the topic of "Birth Control", the Bible Topical Guide lists many positive verses on the glory and joy of having children. Today, our First Presidency reiterates what the Lord declared from the beginning "We declare that God's commandment for his children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force." (See Proclamation to the World, 1995) We have become a contraceptive society. The use of contraceptives has become so commonplace that many Latter-day Saint couples have adopted the lifestyle as well. We have come to believe that it is normal, acceptable, and shameless to use them for any reason, even selfish reasons. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9. Many of our members are unaware of the teachings of our modern Prophets and General Authorities. Those who are aware of the teachings are often confused as to how to follow them in today's world. They may prayfully decide that it is not the time to bring a child into their family, yet without the use of contraceptives, they would be left to abstain genitally for long periods of time. Our Church Leaders have also taught that marital intimacy is good and necessary for uniting a couple and bringing them closer in spirit. We have been instructed to study the teaching of our Prophets and pray for guidance in all aspects of our lives. Couples may want to pray about how to avoid a pregnancy, if necessary, as well as when to bring children into their homes. Through the use of NFP, a couple is able to identify the fertile and infertile phases of the woman's menstrual cycle. When for personal reasons, the couple prayfully decides to avoid a pregnancy; this can be accomplished without the use of contraceptives--instead, with the use of self-control. During the infertile phases of the cycle, which God himself gave to us, the couple can again unite and "become one." Long periods of genital abstinence are not necessary. Couples who use NFP often speak of the marriage building aspects of periodic abstinence. They concentrate on non-genital ways of expressing their love during the fertile times if it is their intention to avoid a pregnancy. As they do this, they begin to relive their courting days and remember how their love grew even though they did not have genital contact. Then during the infertile times, they enjoy their honeymoon days all over again! |
"When obedience ceases to be an irritant and becomes our quest, in that moment God will endow us with power." Ezra Taft Benson |
While this site is not an official site of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, every effort has been made to ensure that it is consistent with Church teachings. Many of the quotes on this site can be researched at the Church's official site. |
Welcome to Family Planning LDS |
"When a mother bears and cares for a child, she not only helps the earth answer the end of its creation, but she glorifies God!" Russell M. Nelson |
Family planning for today's Latter-day Saint couples |
Some comments from responders: "I just want to say thank you so much for this website! ...with the help of your website, I finally have the answer! I hope that your book will be well received by the Church population and that many couples will have their eyes opened to the truth. I can't thank you enough! May the Lord bless you." "I feel sad that the Latter-day Saint community does not know about and participate more fully in NFP. It is a marriage builder like none other and everything about it is supported with the Latter-day Saint beliefs.... this information can bless and help the Latter-day Saint community tremendously and it is the answer for many, many couples to the dilemma of an acceptable method that doesn't violate their code of ethics." |
Books you probably have in your home library that teach against the use of birth control: |
Doctrines of Salvation Vol. 2 Joseph Fielding Smith pgs. 85-89 |
The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson Ezra Taft Benson pgs. 539-43 |
Evidences and Reconciliations John A. Widstoe pgs. 310-14 |
Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley Gordon B. Hinckley |
Gospel Ideals David O. McKay |
The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball Spencer W. Kimball pgs. 324-31 |
The Way to Peace Mark E. Peterson pgs. 265-7 |
Woman and the Priesthood Rodney Turner |
Achieving a Celestial Marriage Student Manual Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints |