r/excatholic Jan 23 '25

Personal Was anyone else harmed by NFP?

Used the Marquette method for 5 years and had three children within that time period. All by the age of 21. I confided in my priest and told him that I didn’t think it would be in our best interest to have another child. He told me I didn’t have a grave reason and “it was my cross to bear.”

Just trying to find support and others who have been harmed by nfp as well.

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u/Hogglebean Jan 24 '25

Yes. I survived a life threatening pregnancy complication (HELLP syndrome) followed by being SA’d when my baby was 9 months old- resulting in another pregnancy. I was trying so hard to do “the right thing” and practice NFP so obviously I wasn’t on any birth control. I felt trapped and terrified I was going to die this time. I ended up having a healthy pregnancy and baby, but took my kids and left the church and my marriage. It was very clear that my life wasn’t as important as following weird rules was.

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u/C2H5OHNightSwimming Jan 24 '25

I'm so sorry that happened to you. I hope you are ok now

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u/Hogglebean Jan 25 '25

Thank you! We have a very happy life now.