Does Billings method satisfy Catholic teaching?

[jeanj]

We gave up artificial contraception over 5 years ago as part of our commitment to dh’s strengthening Catholic faith (although I am not Catholic, it was a mutually agreed decision).

Since then we have used the Rhythm method very properly (no barriers etc) and become adapted to the necessary abstinence.

I have now started Billings method lessons as, although we are open to new life as dh explains is proper, I would like a more … can i call it … secure method of regulating our fertility for now.

My question is - as a non-Catholic - is the Billings method wholly consistent with Church teaching … I believe so, but dh would like some extra reassurance from fellow Catholics.

Thank you for any guidance

Jean J

 

[porthos11]

We gave up artificial contraception over 5 years ago as part of our commitment to dh’s strengthening Catholic faith (although I am not Catholic, it was a mutually agreed decision).

Since then we have used the Rhythm method very properly (no barriers etc) and become adapted to the necessary abstinence.

I have now started Billings method lessons as, although we are open to new life as dh explains is proper, I would like a more … can i call it … secure method of regulating our fertility for now.

My question is - as a non-Catholic - is the Billings method wholly consistent with Church teaching … I believe so, but dh would like some extra reassurance from fellow Catholics.

Thank you for any guidance

Jean J

Yes. Very consistent and morally licit. Kudos to you and your husband.

 

[Elf01]

I think that it is wonderful that you are willing to use NFP to support your husband in his faith.

 

[kc456]

I did not get my question answered before.
What if one’s husband won’t abstain or do NFP? (We are both Catholic).
What do I do? I have an IUD now and I never did before. Condoms are also used. We have 7 little kids.
He doesn’t take issue with any of this, and I want to do the right thing.
But marriage is TWO people. Help! I want to abstain. He won’t. I want to agree with the church teaching and DO the church teaching.

How do I understand this sin? It is not against dogma, is it? I still go to Communion. How would confession play a role? I want to not use any birth control and aspire to that, but I see that only happening decades from now.
All the people at mass have 1 or 2 kids. Feeling stuck! Have other Catholics faced this issue surely? The Catholic Hospital did the IUD, too. Not sure what to think! Prayerfully wanting to learn more.

 

[LittleFlower378]

I did not get my question answered before.
What if one’s husband won’t abstain or do NFP? (We are both Catholic).
What do I do? I have an IUD now and I never did before. Condoms are also used. We have 7 little kids.
He doesn’t take issue with any of this, and I want to do the right thing.
But marriage is TWO people. Help! I want to abstain. He won’t. I want to agree with the church teaching and DO the church teaching.

How do I understand this sin? It is not against dogma, is it? I still go to Communion. How would confession play a role? I want to not use any birth control and aspire to that, but I see that only happening decades from now.
All the people at mass have 1 or 2 kids. Feeling stuck! Have other Catholics faced this issue surely? The Catholic Hospital did the IUD, too. Not sure what to think! Prayerfully wanting to learn more.

I have been in this situation with my wife where she wants me to get a vasectomy and use other forms of contraception, but I want nothing of this. I keep telling her the evil of the pill (which can cause an abortion) and IUD’s she has by the grace of God not used these things. In my humble opinion we should have another child but she doesnt want to have another so we are stuck. She doesnt trust NFP or is she open to learning the Church teaching. It has been like this since our whole marriage of over 11 years. We don’t have relations and have had relations not many times in our whole marriage. It’s a cross I have to bear, but its worth it for God. Contraception is an intrinsic evil, meaning there is no circumstance where it would not be a sin, except say force. You would be best to get rid of the IUD and show your husband the great benefits of NFP and how the Church approves of NFP only for couples that have a serious reason not to conceive.

You should get the IUD removed and go to confession and pray for your husband and your marriage.

 

[Lou2U]

I did not get my question answered before.
What if one’s husband won’t abstain or do NFP? (We are both Catholic).
What do I do? I have an IUD now and I never did before. Condoms are also used. We have 7 little kids.
He doesn’t take issue with any of this, and I want to do the right thing.
But marriage is TWO people. Help! I want to abstain. He won’t. I want to agree with the church teaching and DO the church teaching.

How do I understand this sin? It is not against dogma, is it? I still go to Communion. How would confession play a role? I want to not use any birth control and aspire to that, but I see that only happening decades from now.
All the people at mass have 1 or 2 kids. Feeling stuck! Have other Catholics faced this issue surely? The Catholic Hospital did the IUD, too. Not sure what to think! Prayerfully wanting to learn more.

The real issue here is that your husband is refusing to consider anything other than what he wants. If he won’t listen to you, and respect your opinions and your wants, I suggest you speak to your Priest and look into marriage counseling. It’s wrong for your husband to force you to go against your beliefs, and I’m sorry he is doing so.

For the OP - I just wanted to commend you for coming here to ask something to help your husband with his beliefs. So many wouldn’t, and as another poster said, it’s wonderful to see your support of him.

Lou

 

[Usige]

My question is - as a non-Catholic - is the Billings method wholly consistent with Church teaching … I believe so, but dh would like some extra reassurance from fellow Catholics.

Yes it is fully consistent with Catholic teachings. It is one of the methods listed on many diocesan websites.

If your hubby wants more reassurance, the USCCB (US Conference of Catholic Bishops) mentions Billings on it’s “What are the methods of NFP?” page. I also know that teaching Billings was one of the positive recommendations for me being accepted into formation as a Deacon. I have a very orthodox Bishop and don’t think he’d count it a positive for a potential member of his clergy to instruct against the faith.

 

[Hoosier_Daddy]

We gave up artificial contraception over 5 years ago as part of our commitment to dh’s strengthening Catholic faith (although I am not Catholic, it was a mutually agreed decision).

Since then we have used the Rhythm method very properly (no barriers etc) and become adapted to the necessary abstinence.

I have now started Billings method lessons as, although we are open to new life as dh explains is proper, I would like a more … can i call it … secure method of regulating our fertility for now.

My question is - as a non-Catholic - is the Billings method wholly consistent with Church teaching … I believe so, but dh would like some extra reassurance from fellow Catholics.

Thank you for any guidance

Jean J

Yes, as long as the act is completed properly, any form of nfp is ok. Many on this forum use billings.

 

[Hoosier_Daddy]

I did not get my question answered before.
What if one’s husband won’t abstain or do NFP? (We are both Catholic).
What do I do? I have an IUD now and I never did before. Condoms are also used. We have 7 little kids.
He doesn’t take issue with any of this, and I want to do the right thing.
But marriage is TWO people. Help! I want to abstain. He won’t. I want to agree with the church teaching and DO the church teaching.

How do I understand this sin? It is not against dogma, is it? I still go to Communion. How would confession play a role? I want to not use any birth control and aspire to that, but I see that only happening decades from now.
All the people at mass have 1 or 2 kids. Feeling stuck! Have other Catholics faced this issue surely? The Catholic Hospital did the IUD, too. Not sure what to think! Prayerfully wanting to learn more.

This should be handled on a seperate thread.
You cannot have an iud.