I must respond to comments attributed to Dr. Gor‚ in the Daily article on natural family planning.

It’s very obvious Dr. Gor‚ is not familiar with modern natural family planning methods or he would not have made the statement that “It has a high failure rate because of all the variables.”

Does 98 to 99 percent effectiveness mean high failure? Studies done by the World Health Organization show these rates.

The truth of the matter is the ovulation method is based on the fact that in order for conception to take place there must be fertile mucus present along with sperm and ovum. It requires all three elements. Once a woman learns to recognize this mucus sign, she and her husband can use the five simple rules to either avoid or achieve a pregnancy.

A man who is fertile is fertile all the time, while a woman is only fertile for about 100 hours per cycle. By learning to recognize this mucus and chart it, a couple can achieve the 98 to 99 percent effectiveness.

Contrary to Gor‚’s comments, studies show that couples using natural family planning have intercourse more often because they understand how their bodies work and have confidence in their knowledge. It has been my experience teaching the ovulation method that it’s primarily young couples who are learning and using it. Proper instruction empowers couples to make the decisions necessary for them. They are not dependent on some doctor but know for themselves what their bodies are telling them.

No one makes a profit from natural family planning, so why would doctors, Planned Parenthood or the contraceptive producing corporations want to encourage its use? Make no mistake, contraception is big business and those profiting don’t want to upset the balance.

Dr. Gor‚ said the cost of natural family planning is quite high if a pregnancy occurs. When a pregnancy results from the use of any of the various chemical and mechanical devices, is that a pregnancy less costly?

Anyone interested in learning the truth about the ovulation method can go to www.familyplanning.net, where you can learn about this method and can order a CD-ROM for $24.95. If anyone would like to visit with me, please call (515) 387-1378.

The safety, effectiveness, independence, low cost and ease make the ovulation method a very valuable tool for improving your marriage. Statistics show a less than 2 percent divorce rate for couples who use natural family planning.

Think for yourself, gather the facts and then decide.

Diana Grebasch

Ovulation method teacher

Maxwell