In God’s plan, marriage is a sign of God’s presence in the world and the conjugal love that unifies the spouses is at its fullest when it is mutually enriching, permanent, exclusive, faithful, total, and fruitful (open to life). Sexual intercourse enables couples to intensify their mutual intimacy and to bring new life into the world. An inseparable connection exists between the union of the spouses (love-giving) and the
procreation and education of children (life-giving) as they help the spouses to grow in their love for God and for each other. This is why the Church supports Natural Family Planning (NFP) methods in assisting responsible parenting.

These methods assist couples in having a better understanding and appreciation for the wife’s fertility and consequently for her as a person, increasing your communication as you grow together in your sexual union, and as you discern with God the sacred gifts that are children. We encourage parents to make these important decisions regarding responsible parenting (achieving, spacing, and avoiding pregnancy) in the context of prayer, in a spirit of love and generosity, in accordance with the Church’s beautiful teaching on the gift of human sexuality, and in light of your responsibilities to God, each other, your already-born children, and to society.