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Drs John and Lyn Billings - Papal Knight and Papal Dame, March 28, 2003
The Nuptial Significance of the Body and Natural Family Planning Mr Christopher West BA, MST, Denver, Colorado John Paul II’s “theology of the body” is not only an extraordinary gift for those who teach and promote natural family planning. It is a revolution for the Church and the world—a “theological time bomb”, as papal biographer George Weigel says, “set to go off with dramatic consequences”. The Holy Father states therein that the nuptial meaning of the body “is the fundamental element of human existence in the world”. It refers to the body’s “capacity of expressing love: that love precisely in which the person becomes a gift and – by means of this gift – fulfils the very meaning of his being and existence”. The call to love as God loves, the meaning of the Gospel and the meaning of life, is stamped right in our bodies. As John Paul II wrote in Familiaris Consortio, “the innate language that expresses the total reciprocal self-giving of husband and wife is overlaid, through contraception, by an objectively contradictory language, namely, that of not giving oneself totally to the other. This leads not only to a positive refusal to be open to life, but also to a falsification of the inner truth of conjugal love”. In short, as a violation of the nuptial meaning of our bodies, contraception contradicts “the very meaning of our being and existence”. Contraception and the mentality behind it mark the “antithesis”, in some sense, of an authentic marital spirituality. Natural family planning is founded upon respect for the nuptial meaning of the body and the integral truth of conjugal love as self-giving. The virtues necessary for the faithful practice of natural family planning are precisely those virtues that foster true love and an authentic marital spirituality. This is why an integral understanding of natural family planning and its global promotion are essential for the “new evangelization”.
Ovarian Hormones and the Billings Method Professor James Brown MSc(NZ), PhD(Edin), DSc(Edin), FRACOG Professor Emeritus, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Melbourne The Billings Ovulation Method (BOM) identifies the phases of fertility and infertility during a woman’s menstrual cycle by the changing patterns of the cervical and vaginal secretions felt by the woman. These secretions are the product of the changing patterns of the two hormones secreted by the ovaries, oestradiol and progesterone, that are part of the ovulatory mechanism and the preparation of the uterus for pregnancy. Therefore, direct measurement of these two hormones provides important information on the interpretation of the secretions. If a woman’s cycles were completely regular and she ovulated at the same time every month, control of fertility by the use of natural fertility regulation would be simple. However, nature has developed a system which impairs fertility during times that are unfavourable for mother and foetus so that reproduction is delayed until more favourable times. Operation of this system accounts for practically all the problems encountered in natural fertility regulation; it is the cause of irregular lengths of the cycle and therefore varying times of ovulation and also for variations in ovarian activity which may be subfertile or infertile. The BOM was developed so that a woman could recognise all these forms of ovarian activity as they happened so that she was in control of her fertility at all times during her reproductive life. Analyses of the ovarian hormones by measuring their daily output in urine has played an important part in this development. The presentation will describe the relationship between the hormone values and the symptoms during the fertile ovulatory cycle and during all the other types of ovarian activity; it will also relate the times of fertility and infertility to the symptoms and hormone values.
Cervical Function and the Billings Method Professor Erik Odeblad MD(Gynae), PhD, Professor Emeritus, University of Umea, Sweden In the middle of the 1970s we found strong indications suggesting that the cervix produced three distinctly different types of cervical mucus, denoted G, L and S, each during well-defined periods of the menstrual cycle. Members of the OM group in Australia were the first to recognize the practical applications of these findings, pointing out the congruence between the L and S mucus and a woman’s fertile period, indicated by the mucus symptom. We presently know that additional mucus types exist, notably P2 and P6. Also, there are two varieties of the G mucus denoted G- and G+. Various steroid hormones and probably also some neuro-transmitters seem to regulate the cyclic occurrence of the mucus types. The mucus types P2, L, S and P6 are fertility promoting, and they also build up and maintain the mucus symptom, ending with the peak which corresponds to maximum of P6. The types of G- and G+ reduce or inhibit sperm propagation and have, in addition, immunological activities against several micro-organisms and probably against defective cervical mucus and mucus-producing cells, which seem to be attacked and eliminated. This last phenomenon is an important process in maintaining a high-quality of cervical mucus. In recent years the intracellular signalling pathway from hormones to mucus production has come into focus, making it possible to understand other quality and quantity controlling mechanisms. Explanation can also be given to other observations often encountered by OM teachers, such as the non-responsive cervix and mucus hyper-production. The bio-molecular approach also helps to understand effects by various infections, environmental factors, drugs and remedies leading to alterations of the mucus symptom and fertility.
Fertility Disorders and the Billings Method Prof. Dr. Pilar Vigil MD PhD, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, Catholic University of Chile Advantages of the Billings Method in China Professor QIAN Shao Zhen, MD, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences Teaching the Billings Method: Cross-Cultural Experiences Mrs Marie Marshell ASA, Senior Billings Method Educator The personal witness of a young Chinese woman tells us how the BOM can transform lives. The success of the Billings Ovulation Method depends on the quality of the teachers. The experience of teaching the Method in different countries and cultures reveals the success of training programs where authentic literature forms the basis of the programs. The use of the Curriculum, developed by the Education Committee of the Billings Ovulation Method, ensures not only that correct information is taught but also that teaching standards are consistent. Teachers have a gift for married couples, a gift of knowledge which not only provides an effective method of fertility regulation, which is acceptable in all cultures, but a Method which enhances communication and love between the couple and brings harmony to the family. It is imperative that teachers have an understanding of the science behind the Method, and are fully trained in the correct application of all the Rules of the Method.
The Billings Method in America Ms Sue Ek, Executive Officer, BOMA-USA This presentation will begin with a brief history of the Billings Ovulation Method in the United States as well as a quick description of the six modern methods of Natural Family Planning that are currently available in America [Billings, Couple-to-Couple League, Creighton Model / Napro Technology, Family of the Americas, Marquette Model and Northwest Family Services]. A comparison of the unique differences of the various methods, as well as the difficulties this has created will be presented. The Basic Teacher Training Program as well as method updates [Extension Course] provided to experienced teachers will be discussed. Included will be the process of certification, renewal of certification and data base information. BOMA-USA has worked closely with Australia to standardize teacher training and provide authentic materials for use in all programs of the Billings Ovulation Method.
The Importance of Authentic Charting Mrs Marian Corkill, Senior Billings Method Educator What motivates the Billings Method teacher? It is the best choice because The Billings Ovulation Method (BOM) has undergone the most thorough investigations and trials of all methods of NFP and is based on sound scientific knowledge. While love is our motivation the BOM teacher needs to understand the great responsibility which has been entrusted to him/her. We are privileged to help couples in their marriage, their relationship, their way of loving. It is paramount that the BOM teacher is a teacher of excellence. This requires good knowledge, good interpersonal skills and an openness to continue to learn, to constantly update and ensure that what is being taught is in fact the BOM as has been developed and promulgated by Drs John and Lyn Billings. Presentation of the BOM A CD of this demonstration will be available for sale at this Conference. Education Committee
Marriage, Pastoral Formation and Fertility Awareness Mrs Anna Krohn, B.Theol, Director, Catholic Pastoral Formation Centre, Archdiocese of Melbourne Marriage Preparation programs have over the past years developed a high degree of expertise in both their methodology and in their provision. Programs currently offer sophisticated units aimed at improving couple communication, their emotional and social compatibility and personal development. These skills are very important. However many of the programs only touch upon or assume a basic level of faith education and awareness in the participants. It has been expected that the participants’ families, schools and church involvement would have provided this foundational formation. In our post – modern social context, many of these networks have been disrupted so that couples are in need of re-catechesis at an adult learning level. Furthermore marriage preparation needs to include material which opens up for the couple the incredibly rich developments in the theology and spirituality of marriage and family. For couples seeking a sacramental marriage it is vital that the basics in sacramental theology are also presented. Developments in the Melbourne Archdiocese on a project which aims to supplement existing marriage preparation courses and which will address some of these needs will be discussed.
Developing Curricula for Christian Education in Sexuality Mrs Lisa Brick, Co-author, Teachable Moments, An education in understanding Christian sexuality is a dynamic process that begins within the family. Our parents are our first and most important educators in this and many other areas of our lives. With this as our focus, Julianne White and I saw that the development of curricula for Christian sexuality education outside of the family must include an opportunity for the involvement and education of parents, thereby acknowledging the primary responsibility parents have in this area. Christian sexuality education curriculum must be based upon the understanding that we are created male and female in the image and likeness of God. It must be designed to develop a full Christian understanding of what it means to be biologically and spiritually a man or a woman and it must enhance our capacity to express our sexuality appropriately within the vocations of Christian life we are called too. To achieve this schools and parents work need to work in partnership bringing this knowledge and understanding to their children, utilizing the important resources and teaching skills of teachers to support and strengthen the primary educative role of parents. How to foster and develop this partnership is one of the most pressing issues facing parents and educators today. A successful partnership should take into account and addresses the needs of parents, teachers and communities so they may all fulfil their roles in the education and formation of children leading them become fully integrated human persons. Crucial to achieving this partnership is the development of good resource materials for both parents and teachers. A resource needs to provide parents and teachers with the knowledge and the skills to work together, taking into account the individuality of each child and the child’s need to be informed at their level of understanding and awareness. The materials within such a resource needs to foster an understanding and appreciation of our bodies and recognition of the universal call to chastity.
Christian Education in Sexuality – Dealing with Media Influences Mrs Trish Beale, Coordinator, Christian Sexuality Program, Perth WA The “Loving for Life” Programme seeks to present the
Christian ideal of sexuality. Topics of Presentation The presentation will
Continuing Professional Development Programs for Medical Practitioners Dr Mary Walsh MBBS FRACGP, Family Physician The Billings Ovulation Method used for avoiding pregnancy is evidence-based medicine supported by several independent, international, multi-centre prospective trials published in peer reviewed journals indicating a Pearl index of 0-2.2 pregnancies per hundred women years, including a World Health Organization trial, and Indian Medical Research Council trial and a trial conducted by the Jiangsu Family Health Institute in China. The results indicate the BOM is comparable in effectiveness to the contraceptive pill, and, as users well know, it has so many advantages over intrusive methods of fertility control. Our own surveys of several hundred general medical practitioners have shown that amongst those who participated there was a lack of knowledge of the mucus symptom and the capacity of women to identify their periods of infertility and possible fertility and the occurrence and time of ovulation. Trials of professional development intervention with general medical practitioners showed that BOM teachers suitably trained for the purpose could bring about dramatic change in the knowledge and attitude of general practitioners. The latter learned how a woman could use the BOM rules about the mucus symptom to assist a woman to manage her fertility, overcome sub-fertility and take better care of her reproductive health. This is a most important development in the promotion of natural family regulation, assisting in bringing the Billings Ovulation Method into the medical mainstream where it ought to be. It is vital that women are given the confidence, by their doctors, to manage their own fertility and maintain their own reproductive health. In fact it is their right to be supported in that way as a significant option to the medicalisation of reproductive health. In this paper an account is given of the research and trialling that led to the establishment of Continuing Professional Development programs for doctors and other health professionals in the area of fertility and infertility awareness. The OMR&RCA has been approved by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners as an Accredited Provider of CPD programs. Billings associations in other countries are urged to likewise seek that status from their local Colleges and to establish CPD programs. In the next phase of this work, a prospective longitudinal trial is planned to assess the comparative effectiveness of BOM instruction in overcoming sub-fertility and to better identify sub-groups within the sub-fertile population who would most benefit. If the results are as we would expect from what BOM teachers report anecdotally, then we would hope that further initiatives will be developed to make BOM instruction accepted as a first line assistance to women seeking medical help for infertility. It should be born in mind, in this respect, that women who go on IVF programs have only a one out of five chance of coming home with a baby, and of the embryos produced for them only one in twenty-five survive to be babies. Many of those couples who are sub-fertile may, with appropriate instruction, be able to have their babies naturally with no or minimal intervention.
‘She’s a Natural’ National Promotion Mrs Joan Clements, Coordinator, Billings Family Life Centre It is important that when we all leave this Conference we do so with the determination to spread the good news of the billings Method in our local communities. The point of coming together is to learn from each other and them take our new knowledge back to where we can make a difference to the health and happiness of women and families. Each of us will find different ways to communicate this knowledge – whether we start or continue to teach the Billings Method, or actively support those who do so, or lobby governments of funding bodies, or educate health professionals, or give talks to local community groups, or advertise the WOOMB website, or any other of a myriad ways to get the news out there – we take back to our communities enthusiasm for, and a determination to let others know about, this great Method of natural fertility regulation. In doing so, some of us will be part of a strong and supportive network, but others will, at least initially, be working alone. There may be hardships and disappointments, but we trust no-one will feel totally isolated. Please make a note of our email address and other contact details, and KEEP IN TOUCH. With more than 30 countries represented here this week, together we can take this news to the world and support each other in doing so.
Marriage, Evangelisation and Inculturation The Most Reverend Peter Turkson, Archbishop of Cape Coast, Ghana At the head of the Canadian Bishops’ Conference, in its defense of Marriage against ‘same sex unions’, Bishop Berthelet reminds us that ‘marriage, as a union between one man and one woman has existed across all cultures, in all civilizations, in all countries and in all religions for all recorded history. It is the basic unit of society, the social nucleus in which most children are born and raised’. Against the background of a presentation of an instance of the celebration of marriage in a traditional society in Africa [the Akans in Southern Ghana], some essential features and characteristics of the customary marriage of a traditional society in Africa are presented and briefly discussed. These are matrimonial consent, the personal and communitarian character of marriage, the successive stages of customary marriage and consent, dowry and bride’s price, fecundity and helpmate as crucial ends of customary marriage, monogamy and polygamy, repudiation and divorce. Discovering the place of marriage in God’s plan [Revelation], we proceed to evaluate these features and characteristics in the light of the Gospel, as it is interpreted by the Magisterium. It is an encounter between the features and practices of customary marriage and the Christian vision of marriage, as a sacrament [a sacramental epiphany of the union between Christ and his Church], as a vocation [to perfect love, to holiness etc.] and a mission [ martyria of love and purity], marriage’s sacramental gifts of chastity and perseverance [1 Cor. 7:7 according to St. Augustine] and the function of the body and sex in marriage. Where there are coincidences between customary marriage and Christian
marriage, we shall consider, as proposed pastoral orientations,
the degree of compatibility between the two types of marriages and
the extent to which forms and practices of customary marriage can
serve the catechesis, the celebration and the living of the gospel
vision of marriage.
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