A one-day meeting was held as a pre-conference to the Catholic Medical Association Annual Educational event in 2024. A panel of eighteen physicians, scientists, and researchers involved in NFP work was convened to review the available evidence in four topical areas: (i) evidence for effectiveness of NFP methods to postpone and achieve pregnancy, (ii) evidence for effectiveness in the postpartum and perimenopause transition periods, (iii) evaluate the current state of technology in NFP (specifically app and quantitative hormone monitoring), and (iv) evidence examining the impact of NFP on marital relations. In each topical area, the panel worked to reach a consensus opinion on the currently available evidence and identified priorities for further research. Results from these discussions and a set of priorities for further work are presented here.
Summary: An expert panel was convened to review the current evidence supporting use of NFP in various settings, utilization of new technology, and the impact of NFP on marital dynamics. Results from these discussions and a set of priorities for further work are presented here.
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Cite this article
Manhart, M., & Fehring, R. (2025). The State of the Science of Natural Family Planning: A Report from NFP Scientists' Meeting Held in Orlando, FL, September 4, 2024. *The Linacre quarterly*, 00243639251347842. https://doi.org/10.1177/00243639251347842
Manhart M, Fehring R. The State of the Science of Natural Family Planning: A Report from NFP Scientists' Meeting Held in Orlando, FL, September 4, 2024. Linacre Q. 2025:00243639251347842. doi:10.1177/00243639251347842
Manhart, Michael, and Richard Fehring. "The State of the Science of Natural Family Planning: A Report from NFP Scientists' Meeting Held in Orlando, FL, September 4, 2024." *The Linacre quarterly*, 2025, pp. 00243639251347842.
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