In a recent interview with CatholicVote, Sister Renée Mirkes, director of the Center for NaProEthics at the Saint Paul VI Institute in Omaha, provided a compelling argument for NaProTechnology (NaPro), a morally sound alternative to in vitro fertilization (IVF) that is both scientifically effective and rooted in pro-life values.
NaProTechnology, which focuses on addressing infertility through natural reproductive health treatments, is founded on the work of Dr. Thomas Hilgers, who established the Saint Paul VI Institute in response to Pope Paul VI’s encyclical Humanae Vitae. Sister Renée highlighted that NaPro does more than just treat infertility; it aims to restore a woman’s reproductive health by identifying and addressing the underlying causes of infertility, such as hormonal imbalances and ovulatory dysfunctions, leading to better overall health outcomes for mothers and babies.
Success Rates and Moral Integrity of NaPro
NaProTechnology’s success in treating infertility is noteworthy. Sister Renée shared data showing that over 60% of women treated at the Saint Paul VI Institute for infertility conceived within 24 months, with nearly 70% achieving pregnancy within 36 months. In contrast, the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that IVF has a pregnancy success rate of only 26% per cycle. For patients with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Kallmann Syndrome, and endometriosis, NaPro’s success rates are even higher, ranging from 50% to 90%, depending on the diagnosis.
Unlike IVF, which bypasses the natural process of conception by using laboratory techniques, NaPro addresses the root causes of infertility, offering a comprehensive, disease-based approach. IVF, by contrast, leaves underlying issues untreated, meaning that women undergoing IVF may need multiple cycles to achieve a pregnancy, without resolving the core causes of their infertility.
NaPro and Catholic Teachings on Reproductive Health
Sister Renée also emphasized that NaPro aligns with Catholic teachings on the sanctity of life and the dignity of both parents and children. NaPro supports the natural process of conception within the context of marital love, viewing fertility as a gift, not a right. This approach, Sister Renée argued, is morally superior to IVF, which often involves the destruction of embryos or the freezing of embryos for later use—practices that violate the Catholic belief in the inviolability of life from conception.
In her open letter to Vice President JD Vance, Sister Renée urged policymakers to recognize NaProTechnology as a morally sound alternative to IVF. She noted that IVF often involves ethical dilemmas, such as the destruction of unused embryos or the creation of “designer” babies, while NaPro respects the dignity of both the unborn child and the parents.
Cost and Long-Term Health Benefits
NaPro also offers financial and long-term health benefits. While IVF is notoriously expensive, often requiring multiple cycles at a high cost, NaPro’s treatment approach is more affordable. Many patients undergoing NaPro treatments only need one round of clinical intervention, with ongoing costs typically lower than IVF. In addition, NaPro offers long-term health advantages, as it helps women maintain optimal reproductive health and increases their chances of future pregnancies without the need for further clinical interventions.
Furthermore, NaPro focuses on educating couples about fertility awareness and offers long-term benefits for women’s health, helping them better understand and care for their bodies. This contrasts with IVF, which often provides no lasting solutions to the underlying health issues that caused infertility in the first place.
Raising Awareness and the Future of NaPro
Despite its success and decades of clinical research, NaProTechnology remains relatively unknown to many couples struggling with infertility. Sister Renée attributed this to budget limitations, which have constrained the Institute’s ability to promote NaPro more widely. However, she expressed hope that recent efforts, including her letter to Vice President Vance, could lead to greater awareness and recognition of NaPro as a viable and morally responsible option for infertility treatment.
Looking ahead, Sister Renée is optimistic about NaPro’s potential to gain mainstream acceptance, particularly as more people become aware of its pro-life, scientifically-backed approach to reproductive health.
For those struggling with infertility, Sister Renée’s message is clear: NaPro offers hope without compromising moral values. She encourages couples to explore NaPro as a holistic, ethical, and effective alternative to IVF.
Related topics:
Endometrial Dysbiosis and Chronic Endometritis as Key Factors in Infertility and RIF Treatment
Indira IVF Expands into Maternity Care with Launch of MatCare Hospital in Varanasi
