Happy New Year from CCL!
Wow! What a year 2016 has been for CCL, natural family planning and birth control. So much has happened that has left a big impact. Here’s a short recap of some highlights from this year:
CDC Warning: The CDC released a warning to women who aren’t using birth control stating they should avoid drinking all together in case they become pregnant. Here are some thoughts on that.
Essure: A form of birth control described as “a non-surgical alternative to tubal ligation and consists of a pair of nickel-titanium coils that are inserted into the fallopian tubes, prompting scarring which physically blocks a woman’s eggs from being fertilized,” received multiple reports of dangerous side effects. This prompted the FDA to require a black box warning and a postmarketing study on the device. Just another reason to avoid these harmful birth control devices—learn more about it here.
Birth control linked to depression: A study was released in October showing a link between women who take the pill with a higher likelihood of developing depression. Another totally unnecessary side effect!
And as far as a few CCL highlights go…
New Executive Director: After the retirement of former executive director, Mike Manhart, CCL’s new leader, Chris Reynolds, joined the staff in June.
Humanae Vitae Giving Day: To celebrate the 48th Anniversary of the release of Humanae Vitae, the encyclical that is crucial to the foundation and mission of CCL, we hosted the first annual Humanae Vitae Giving Day in July. With the release of videos, essays and an incredibly successful social media blast, CCL raised lots of awareness and $30,000 in matching funds!
Your Love Story: In October, CCL released a new marriage prep book to reach out to young couples to provide them with the truths that will “deepen their love and enrich their marriages.” Your Love Story incorporates personal stories with humor to make the teachings of the Catholic Church more relatable and relevant to couples today.
When you contrast the disheartening news on the unnatural birth control methods with all the good news on what CCL is doing, we hope you see our commitment to bring the best in family planning to couples. CCL works hard all year toward their mission of building joyful marriages by teaching natural family planning, couple to couple.
And we want you to consider making a new kind of resolution for 2017. NFP is a blessing not only for a woman’s health, but a couple’s marriage. What better way to ring in the new year with a healthy body, healthy marriage and healthy soul? Consider learning NFP, or if you’re already sold on it, share it with someone you care about or join us to teach it to others!
— Megan Imwalle
Communications Intern