Into the Deep
‘After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” Simon said in reply, “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets.” When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their nets were tearing.’ – Luke 5:4-6.
This verse came to mind as I was reviewing the latest FemTech statistics. In 2019, the FemTech market—including devices, treatments, software, consumer products, therapeutic drugs, and educational resources—was anticipated to grow to $50B in 2025. It will be closer to $75B next year by many estimates. Clearly, a deep “blue ocean” of opportunity.
It seems like every time I turn on YouTube, I see a new podcaster discussing how damaging hormonal birth control has been. A recent Jordan Peterson episode was titled “Darn Catholics Were Right” – talking about the teaching on birth control.
So, who is stepping into the void if one is determined to leave birth control behind? The largest fertility tracking app has 62 million active users. Natural Cycles was approved by the FDA in 2018 as a contraceptive app and has 3 million active users.
So, that’s a good thing right? It sounds great!
But is it really?
There are many aspects of FemTech that ARE an improvement. They increase awareness and the understanding of the beauty of our natural fertility—testifying to the glory of God’s creation! But there can be a hidden danger here, too. IVF, while often directed toward new life, unfortunately often ends up destroying new life in the process. Apps, which are highly personal by nature, unfortunately offer to coach their users on immoral behaviors. We heard from many young women at the SEEK conference. The forums and unrelenting advertisements made them feel extremely uncomfortable. How awful!
We have the opportunity, with our many new, beautiful programs and our updated app, to “put out into the deep.” To stand witness to the good and the beautiful of the gift of our fertility and the sacrament of marriage. CCL is different. Our goal is not to make our students dependent on our app or even on our method. Instead we want to give them the knowledge and tools to become the authority of their fertility. Adefense in an embattled world. May the Holy Family grant you and yours special graces as we join our efforts to continue this holy mission!
The CCL PeakDay app is THE premier Catholic fertility tracking app that helps you to chart your period and cycle, and better understand your fertility and ovulation. Find it here.