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natural family planning
noun
: a method of birth control that involves abstention from sexual intercourse during the period of ovulation which is determined through observation and measurement of bodily symptoms
Examples of natural family planning in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Today a suite of fertility apps and laboratory-grade ovulation test strips make natural family planning more accessible than ever—not only for the religious, but also for the countless women who have grown wary of hormonal birth control.
—Ashley McGuire, WSJ, 26 July 2018
Earlier this year, the administration made a point of encouraging providers that emphasize natural family planning methods, sometimes called fertility awareness, to apply for money.
—Michelle Andrews, Washington Post, 12 June 2018
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Word History
First Known Use
1972, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of natural family planning was
in 1972
Dictionary Entries Near natural family planning
Cite this Entry
“Natural family planning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/natural%20family%20planning. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.
Medical Definition
natural family planning
noun
natural family plan·ning
-ˈplan-iŋ
: a method of birth control that involves abstention from sexual intercourse during the period of ovulation which is determined through observation and measurement of bodily signs (as cervical mucus and body temperature)
—abbreviation NFP
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