As fertility technology continues to advance, Catholic couples and Natural Family Planning instructors are being faced with important new questions. Can Catholics morally use fertility monitors developed by companies whose values don't align with Church teaching? How should NFP instructors navigate affiliate relationships, product recommendations, and emerging reproductive technologies? Where should we draw the line?

In this thought-provoking episode of The NFP Podcast, Emily and Amylynn welcome back Louise Boychuk, President of the Marquette Method Professional Association, along with veteran Marquette instructor Sara Flood, to discuss the ethical challenges surrounding modern fertility technology ("FemTech") and Natural Family Planning.

Drawing from the presentation they developed for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Louise and Sara unpack the four major ethical issues every NFP instructor—and many couples—should understand:

Cooperation with evil

Avoiding scandal

Conflicts of interest in healthcare and product recommendations

The importance of evidence-based research when recommending fertility technologies

The conversation explores real-world examples involving fertility monitors, wearable devices, affiliate marketing, artificial intelligence, and the growing influence of technology in reproductive healthcare. Throughout the discussion, Emily, Amylynn, Louise, and Sara emphasize the importance of prudential judgment, faithful discernment, and remaining rooted in both sound Catholic moral theology and scientific evidence.

Whether you're an NFP instructor, a healthcare professional, or a couple using Natural Family Planning, this episode offers practical guidance for navigating an increasingly complex technological landscape with wisdom, integrity, and peace.

Join us as we explore how faithful Catholics can embrace helpful technology without compromising the values at the heart of Natural Family Planning.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

1. Work with Louise Boychuk: www.vitaefertility.com

2. Work with Sara Flood: www.nfpcoach.com

3. Marquette Method Professional Association: www.marquettemethodprofessionals.com

4. Listeners can find certified Marquette Method Instructors at:

www.marquettemethod.com

5. Previous NFP Podcast episode featuring Louise Boychuk on the Marquette Method: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1GzpXd93HIavh2lBrGu3Co?si=58d9308c797e4cb2

Join us as we explore how faithful Catholics can embrace helpful technology without compromising the values at the heart of Natural Family Planning.

In this episode of The NFP Podcast, Amy and Emily welcome Louise Boychuk, registered nurse, certified Marquette Method instructor, author, and director of Vitae Fertility, for an honest and thought-provoking conversation about natural family planning, fertility awareness, and accompanying couples through every season of marriage.

Louise shares her deeply personal journey into the world of NFP—from unexpected pregnancies and heartbreaking pregnancy loss to discovering the Marquette Method and eventually helping thousands of couples navigate their own fertility journeys. Her story is one of faith, perseverance, and allowing God to transform difficult experiences into a ministry of hope.

Together, Amy, Emily, and Louise discuss:

Louise's path from labor and delivery nurse to Marquette educator

The differences between the Billings Method and the Marquette Method

Why the Clearblue monitor is only one part of the Marquette Method

Common misconceptions about fertility monitors and hormonal testing

The promise—and limitations—of new fertility technologies like Mira

What instructors can learn from "perfect use" pregnancies

Supporting couples experiencing fear, infertility, miscarriage, or unexpected pregnancies with both compassion and truth

Why informed consent and authentic education are essential in Catholic marriage preparation

How science, faith, and God's providence work together in understanding human fertility

The conversation also explores larger questions facing the Church today: How can we better prepare engaged couples for marriage? How do we present the beauty of Catholic teaching on sexuality without watering down the truth? And how can NFP instructors accompany couples with both scientific integrity and pastoral sensitivity?

Whether you're new to natural family planning, currently learning the Marquette Method, preparing for marriage, or simply passionate about helping couples thrive, this episode offers an encouraging blend of personal testimony, practical wisdom, and thoughtful discussion that reminds us that authentic love always seeks both truth and compassion.

Resources:

1. www.vitaefertility.com

2. www.marquettemethod.com

3. https://www.vitaefertility.com/nfp-talk-marriage-prep/

4. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vitaefertility/

5. www.marquettemethodprofessionals.com

In this special episode of The NFP Podcast, hosts Emily and Amy conclude their journey through the Catechism of the Catholic Church on the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony by reading and discussing the final sections on the goods and requirements of conjugal love and the domestic church.

What does authentic conjugal love look like? Why does the Church describe marriage as faithful, fruitful, and total? And what does it mean for the family to become a "domestic church"?

As they reflect on these beautiful concluding passages of the Catechism, Emily and Amy explore God's vision for marriage as a lifelong vocation rooted in sacrificial love, openness to life, and a shared pursuit of holiness. They discuss how the Christian home is called to be the first place where children encounter the love of God, learn the faith, and experience the joy of living as disciples of Christ.

To close out this series, each host shares her biggest takeaways from reading through the Catechism's teaching on Holy Matrimony. Emily and Amy reflect on the truths that challenged, encouraged, and inspired them most, offering practical insights for couples striving to build marriages and families firmly rooted in Christ.

Whether you're discerning marriage, preparing for your wedding, raising a family, or simply desiring a deeper understanding of the Church's beautiful vision for marriage, this episode serves as a fitting conclusion to our Catechism series on the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony.

Thank you for joining us on this journey through the Catechism. We pray these conversations have helped you discover the richness of the Church's teaching and encouraged you to embrace God's plan for marriage, family, and faithful love.

Catechism References: CCC 1643–1658

Topics: The Goods and Requirements of Conjugal Love • The Domestic Church

Hosts: Emily and Amy

If this series has blessed you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share these episodes with a friend, your spouse, or someone preparing for marriage. Together, let's continue spreading the beauty and truth of God's design for marriage and family.

Resources:

1. Catechism of the Catholic Church- https://www.usccb.org/catechism-of-the-catholic-church

2. Fr Mike Schmitz Catechism Podcast- https://youtu.be/QmixPmwXOi8?si=p0lMNO5FdImuBNqr

In Episode 109 of The NFP Podcast, hosts Amy and Emily continue their journey through the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Church's rich teaching on the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. In this episode, they read and discuss the section on the effects of the sacrament, exploring the unique graces God pours out upon married couples.

What does the sacrament of marriage actually do? How does God strengthen husbands and wives through sacramental grace? And how does marriage help spouses grow in holiness and prepare one another for heaven?

As they unpack these beautiful teachings from the Catechism, Amy and Emily reflect on the vocation of marriage as a sacred covenant that not only unites a man and woman but also draws them more deeply into the life of Christ. They discuss how sacramental grace empowers couples to love faithfully, forgive generously, carry one another's burdens, and remain steadfast through the joys and challenges of family life.

Whether you are engaged, newly married, celebrating decades of marriage, or simply seeking to better understand the Catholic vision of matrimony, this episode offers encouragement and hope for living out God's plan for marriage.

Join Amy and Emily as they continue reading through the Catechism and discover how the grace of the Sacrament of Matrimony transforms ordinary human love into a powerful path toward holiness.

Catechism References: CCC 1638–1642

Topic: The Effects of the Sacrament of Matrimony

Hosts: Amy and Emily

Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who wants to grow in their understanding of Catholic marriage and family life.

Resources:

1. Catechism-https://www.vatican.va/content/catechism/en/part_two/section_two/chapter_three/article_7/iv_the_effects_of_the_sacrament_of_matrimony.html

2. Catechism in a Year Podcast- https://ascensionpress.com/pages/catechisminayear

In Episode 108 of The NFP Podcast, hosts Amy and Emily continue their journey through the Catechism of the Catholic Church as they explore the Church's beautiful teaching on Matrimonial Consent (CCC 1625–1632).

What does it mean to freely give yourself to another person for life? Why is consent at the very heart of the Sacrament of Matrimony? And what conditions must be present for a valid Catholic marriage?

As they read and discuss these important paragraphs from the Catechism, Amy and Emily also share personal stories from their own childhoods, reflecting on the challenges and blessings of growing up in homes where their parents were not equally yoked in faith. Through their experiences, they offer practical wisdom about the impact faith has on marriage, family life, and the spiritual formation of children.

Whether you are dating, engaged, newly married, or have been married for decades, this conversation serves as an encouragement to pursue a marriage rooted in Christ and to seek a spouse who shares your commitment to the Catholic faith.

Join us as we continue unpacking the richness of the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony and discover why the Church places such importance on entering marriage with unity of faith, purpose, and mission.

Catechism References: CCC 1625–1632

Topic: Matrimonial Consent

Hosts: Amy and Emily

Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone discerning marriage or seeking to strengthen their Catholic marriage.

Resources:

1. Catechism of the Catholic Church- https://usccb.cld.bz/Catechism-of-the-Catholic-Church2/426/#zoom=true

In this episode of The NFP Podcast, Amy and Emily continue their journey through the Catechism of the Catholic Church as they explore the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. Together, they read and discuss the Church's teachings on virginity for the sake of the Kingdom and the celebration of marriage, reflecting on the unique and complementary vocations to marriage and consecrated life.

What does it mean to freely renounce marriage for the sake of Christ and His Kingdom? How does the witness of consecrated virginity illuminate the beauty and purpose of Christian marriage? Amy and Emily unpack these profound teachings while highlighting how both vocations point us toward our ultimate destiny—union with God.

They also examine the Church's understanding of the celebration of matrimony, including the role of the spouses' consent, the significance of the wedding liturgy, and the importance of marriage as a sacrament within the life of the Church.

Whether you are single, engaged, married, discerning a religious vocation, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of Catholic teaching, this episode offers rich insights into God's plan for love, self-gift, and holiness.

Catechism Reading: Paragraphs 1618–1624

Resources:

1. Catechism Online- https://www.usccb.org/catechism-of-the-catholic-church

2. Catechism in a Year Podcast- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09FZr258Ob4

3. Three to Get Married- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09FZr258Ob4

4. Kimberly Hahn, Contraception and Christianity- https://stpaulcenter.com/posts/five-compelling-reasons-why-contraception-is-not-part-of-gods-plan-for-your-marriage/

5. Theology of the Body for Beginners- https://a.co/d/08hVy6uW

In this episode of The NFP Podcast, hosts Amy and Emily continue their journey through the Catechism of the Catholic Church as they explore the beautiful and challenging teachings on the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. They unpack what it means for Christian marriage to be elevated by Christ into a sacrament and a path to holiness.

Drawing from the wisdom of the Catechism, Amy and Emily discuss how the grace of the sacrament strengthens husbands and wives to love as Christ loves the Church—faithfully, sacrificially, and fruitfully. They also reflect on the Church's teaching that marriage is a lifelong covenant, examining why permanence and fidelity are not burdens, but gifts that provide stability, freedom, and a witness to God's unwavering love.

Whether you are newly married, preparing for marriage, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of the Catholic vision of marriage, this episode offers encouragement, practical insights, and a renewed appreciation for God's plan for married life.

Resources:

1. Catechism of the Catholic Church- https://www.vatican.va/content/catechism/en/part_two/section_two/chapter_three/article_7.html

In this episode of The NFP Podcast, hosts Amy and Emily begin a new series walking through the Church’s teaching on the Sacrament of Matrimony by reading and discussing paragraphs 1601–1608 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Together, they reflect on the Church’s definition of marriage as a covenant by which a man and a woman establish a partnership of the whole of life, ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of children. Amy and Emily unpack how marriage was written into God’s plan from the very beginning, rooted in creation itself, and elevated by Christ to the dignity of a sacrament.

They also discuss the painful effects of sin on relationships, the universal human longing for faithful and fruitful love, and the hope offered through Jesus Christ, who restores and strengthens marriage with His grace. Whether you are preparing for marriage, navigating challenges in your vocation, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of God’s design for love, this episode offers a beautiful introduction to the Church’s timeless wisdom on matrimony.

Resources:

1. Catechism Online: https://www.vatican.va/content/catechism/en/part_two/section_two/chapter_three/article_7.html

2. Ascension Catechism: https://ascensionpress.com/pages/catechism-ascension-edition

3. Ascension Catechism In A Year Podcast: https://youtu.be/NnggjPbIOM8?si=OjbqH6Lc-1Wf0teF

4. Family Camp (Emily's Sister's Camp): https://www.annunciationheights.org/

5. Hannah's Children (Book): https://a.co/d/09fLiu34

In this insightful episode of The NFP Podcast, hosts Amylynn and Emily sit down with Fr. Kyle O'Connor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church to discuss the beautiful and intentional process of preparing couples for the Sacrament of Matrimony in the Catholic Church.

Fr. Kyle shares what makes Catholic marriage preparation so unique, from the initial conversations with engaged couples to the spiritual, relational, and practical steps designed to help them build a strong foundation for a lifelong covenant. Amylynn and Emily also explore the Church’s wisdom in guiding couples through topics such as communication, prayer, fertility awareness, and the true meaning of sacrificial love.

Whether you are engaged, married, or simply curious about how the Church prepares couples for this sacred vocation, this episode offers a hopeful and inspiring look at the depth, beauty, and purpose of Catholic marriage preparation.

Resources:

1. Casti Conubii https://www.vatican.va/content/pius-xi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-xi_enc_19301231_casti-connubii.html

2. The Marriage Group https://themarriagegroup.com/

3. USCCB Marriage and Family https://www.usccb.org/topics/marriage-and-family-life-ministries/marriage-and-family

4. NFP Resources https://www.usccb.org/topics/natural-family-planning

In this episode of The NFP Podcast, host Amy sits down with Dr. Marguerite Duane for a rich and inspiring conversation on women’s health, fertility awareness, and the beauty of understanding the female body. As co-founder and Executive Director of FACTS about Fertility, Dr. Duane has dedicated her career to educating medical professionals and families on the science supporting fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs) and restorative reproductive medicine (RRM).

Amy and Dr. Duane discuss the inaugural HHS Women’s Health Conference, the growing national conversation surrounding women’s healthcare, and the exciting initiatives currently underway through FACTS. Together they explore how fertility awareness can empower women not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well.

The conversation also dives into breastfeeding, postpartum transitions, and the gift of mindfully tracking the female cycle during motherhood. Dr. Duane shares how cycle awareness fosters deeper mindfulness, helping women better understand their bodies, emotions, and overall health while navigating the beautiful demands of family life.

With her extensive background in family medicine, research, medical education, and restorative reproductive healthcare, Dr. Duane offers practical wisdom and hope-filled insight for women, couples, healthcare professionals, and anyone seeking a deeper appreciation for God’s design of the female body.

Resources:

1. NFP Podcast with Katie Vidmar: https://youtu.be/9hicYXp4ZAc?si=IM3VvOunIoGclnKU

2. FACTS Virtual Conference: https://www.factsaboutfertility.org/2026-facts-virtual-conference/

3. Article on FABMS for Women’s Health and Family Planning: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2022.858977/full

4. Donate to FACTS...parental leave campaign: https://www.factsaboutfertility.org/donate/

https://www.factsaboutfertility.org/supporting-families-at-facts-help-us-expand-paid-parental-leave/

5. The FACTS CME course examines the broad applications of modern Fertility Awareness-Based Methods (FABMs) and their role in pregnancy prevention, women’s health monitoring, and management of reproductive and hormonal health concerns. It features expert presenters and live case studies. There are 13 parts worth 16 CME credits each via AAFP to choose from, covering topics such as infertility, miscarriage, amenorrhea, perimenopause, FemTech, lifestyle for fertility, and more. Learn at your own pace with this online opportunity! See more details at www.FACTSaboutFertility.org/professional-cme-course/

6. Get connected to like-minded medical professionals through FACTS About Fertility's membership opportunities. Join as an individual, a practice, or an organization, and experience the benefits of access to education and a community that are hard to find in the medical field. Become a member today at www.FACTSaboutFertility.org/join/ and see the difference FACTS can make in your career and your patients' lives!