In an exclusive interview with CatholicVote, Sister Renée Mirkes, director of the Center for NaProEthics at the Saint Paul VI Institute, defended NaProTechnology (NaPro) as a morally sound and scientifically effective alternative to in vitro fertilization (IVF). NaProTechnology, which has been at the forefront of pro-life women’s healthcare for over four decades, addresses infertility by treating the underlying medical conditions, offering a solution that aligns with Catholic teachings on the sanctity of life and marriage.
NaPro vs. IVF: Success Rates and Health Benefits
Sister Renée shared that the cumulative pregnancy rate for women treated at the Saint Paul VI Institute with NaProTechnology for a range of infertility-causing conditions is significantly higher than that of IVF. The pregnancy rate for 1,054 women treated with NaPro within 24 months was over 60%, and nearly 70% became pregnant within 36 months. For women with specific conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Kallmann Syndrome, and endometriosis, NaPro’s success rates ranged between 50% to 90%, depending on the condition. This is in stark contrast to IVF’s pregnancy rate of just 26% per cycle, according to the most recent data from the CDC.
Addressing Infertility: NaPro’s Approach vs. IVF
NaProTechnology’s approach is fundamentally different from IVF in how it addresses infertility. NaPro treats infertility as a symptom of underlying conditions such as hormonal imbalances or ovulatory dysfunctions. By identifying and treating these root causes, NaPro has achieved remarkable success in helping couples conceive naturally. In contrast, IVF bypasses the underlying causes, providing a temporary solution that leaves the woman still infertile after each round of IVF.
Sister Renée explained, “NaPro’s infertility approach is disease-based. It treats the underlying causes of infertility, whereas IVF leapfrogs over these causes, leaving them unaddressed.”
Moral Considerations: NaPro vs. IVF
The moral difference between NaPro and IVF is significant, particularly from a Catholic ethical standpoint. NaPro respects the dignity of both parents and children by assisting, not replacing, the marital act of procreation. In contrast, IVF often involves the creation and destruction of embryos in laboratory conditions, which many argue violates the sanctity of life.
Sister Renée elaborated, “Any reproductive technology that replaces the act of intercourse with a laboratory procedure is immoral. IVF fails to lead the couple to greater fulfillment because it separates the unitive and procreative aspects of marital sex.” NaPro, she argued, allows couples to engage in the procreative act within the context of their marital relationship, upholding the dignity of both the parents and the child.
Raising Awareness of NaProTechnology
Despite NaPro’s decades of success, it remains relatively unknown to many couples struggling with infertility. Sister Renée attributed this to budget constraints and a lack of marketing resources, despite the ongoing growth and impact of the Saint Paul VI Institute. The Institute, established in 1984 by Dr. Thomas Hilgers, specializes in treating infertility and women’s health from a pro-life perspective. It has trained thousands of healthcare professionals and serves hundreds of FertilityCare centers worldwide.
NaProTechnology and Health Benefits Beyond Pregnancy
NaProTechnology also offers long-term health benefits for women that IVF cannot provide. Unlike IVF, which focuses on achieving pregnancy through external assistance, NaPro promotes overall reproductive health. Sister Renée emphasized that, in addition to helping couples conceive, NaPro guarantees that women will achieve the best possible reproductive health by using a holistic approach that includes charting cycles and addressing any underlying issues.
She said, “We don’t get every infertile patient pregnant, but we guarantee that women will be in the best reproductive health possible. NaPro helps them to be more attuned to their bodies and fertility, which leads to better self-image, stronger spousal relationships, and a renewed trust in God.”
The Future of NaProTechnology
Sister Renée expressed optimism about the future of NaProTechnology in mainstream medicine, hoping that growing awareness of its benefits will lead to broader acceptance and integration into healthcare practices. She highlighted the importance of spreading the message that NaPro is not only an ethical solution but also a highly effective one for treating infertility.
In conclusion, Sister Renée encouraged couples struggling with infertility to consider NaProTechnology, offering hope and a solution that aligns with both their health and moral values. She said, “Never give up. Pursuing NaProTechnology can lead to holistic, life-affirming outcomes that promote health, family, and spiritual fulfillment.”
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