Variations in Fertility Behaviors and Outcomes among Natural Family Planning Users in the United States

Layton Field, Mount St. Mary's University

This study explores fertility intentions and outcomes among users of natural family planning (NFP) methods in the United States, comparing them to users of other contraceptive methods. Understanding the cultural and social factors influencing reproductive decisions is critical in the context of declining fertility rates in the U.S. and other developed countries. NFP, a fertility awareness-based method, relies on tracking fertility signals and is often chosen for religious or personal reasons. Using data from the 2011-2019 cycles of the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG), this descriptive analysis examines patterns in contraceptive behaviors, fertility intentions, and outcomes, such as live births and pregnancies. NFP users are expected to have higher fertility intentions, reflecting cultural and religious values that emphasize larger families. Additionally, they may demonstrate different approaches to child spacing and family planning. The findings will provide insights into how alternative contraceptive methods like NFP influence family formation and reproductive outcomes, which may offer valuable implications for addressing declining fertility trends and informing policies that enable individuals to reach their desired fertility.

Keywords: Family Planning and Contraception, Fertility, Population Policies

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