Think Globally, Act Locally

It is inspiring to learn of the work of colleagues around the world, and the obstacles that have been overcome in providing NFP in their respective cultures.

With a topic as sensitive as sexuality, cultural and sociological context nuance the message.

For sure, in our own California culture, we face our own unique challenges sharing a vision of sexuality that is free of the constraints of contraception.

Those challenges, however, are put in perspective, as we ponder promoting NFP in sub-Saharan Africa, where contraception is falsely presented as the solution to tragically high maternal death rates. Or when we contemplate the history of Poland, where the Iron Curtain obscured the heart wrenching use of abortion as birth control at a staggering level.

There are profound and unique global challenges to educating and empowering women and couples to understand and own their fertility, amidst poverty, poor living conditions, lack of access to programs, governmental coercion, etc.

But what strikes me even more then the differences, are the similarities. I see we are more alike, then we are different.

The rejection of NFP by the medical profession seems almost universal. Physicians are trained it is ineffective (despite published studies which show it to be as effective as what they ARE promoting) and impractical (based on the premise that periodic continence is unrealistic). NFP is marginalized as a “church method”, which it ironically becomes, when the Catholic Church is often the only one left to promote it, fueling the characterization, and the marginalization of this legitimate and vital health service.

While we like to think that in the land of the free and the home of the brave, physicians are not coerced into providing contraception, there are among our ranks physicians whose careers have been greatly impacted by their professional commitment to not provide contraception and abortion. You can be sure any med student considering a specialty in obstetrics and gynecology is navigating complicated politics, to say the least.

With NFP marginalized, we see its reported use around the globe remain single digit, another similarity that seems to cross cultural divides.

One similarity strikes me above the rest, however. Wherever NFP flourishes, or at least services survive for those who seek them, you will find a determined and dedicated individual, or group of individuals, who are responsible.

The contributors to this edition are such people, and each of them would surely acknowledge those who preceded them, on whose foundation they built.

CANFP is comprised of such dedicated and faithful people. Priests who have built up a network of NFP teachers and provided formation for couples in their parish, often providing the only NFP resource in their area. Handfuls of physicians who single-handedly persevere in practices that serve patients from near and far seeking out their unique services. Couples witnessing to the blessings of NFP, often in climates hostile to the topic. And of course our dedicated NFP teachers, often teaching out of their homes, or borrowed space in a parish, personally assuring NFP remains available in their region.

We are blessed in California to build on the dedication of the pioneers who preceded us, as we strive to insure—and expand— the availability of NFP in our communities. Perhaps a few who read this will be in the unique position to join the international efforts highlighted in this edition. But for most, the universal truths these global efforts highlight, are a call to do our part, in our own families, and regions, and through the CANFP community, to be that person, whose perseverance and effort made a difference. Think globally, act locally.