MIRI: The president of Ovulation Method, Research & Reference Centre Australia, Kerry Bourke urged couples to adopt the Billings ovulation method because it is the most effective and yet inexpensive method of family planning.
"I urge couples everywhere to give it a go for this method works and it is the natural method of family planning without any side effect compared to most artificial form of family planning, including the pill and even using the condom," said Bourke.
She told this to reporters during a press conference yesterday. She was here to conduct a workshop on the method for about 50 participants.
She was currently in Miri to speak at the 16th Human Life International Asia Pacific Congress, organised by the Human Life Centre Miri.
She said the method is proven to be 99 per cent effective when taught properly because a lot of scientific research had been done on the method by John Billings.
She disclosed in China where this method of family planning was implemented by the government statistics showed a dramatic decrease in abortion rate in the country. She said this is the natural side effect of using this method.
Inspite of the effectiveness of this method, Bourke bemoaned the fact that most women are not aware of this option that they have in family planning.
"Women everywhere have the right to this knowledge and that they have the right to a choice," said Bourke.
She stressed women can easily use this method as it is simple and basic.
All they have to do is to keep track of their ovulation cycle, it is about knowing their bodily cycle of fertility and infertility, said pointed out.
There are many advantages for not only women, couples and families, but also the state for women to have this information, she added.
"This knowledge about natural fertility and infertility is very inexpensive to acquire, and can be put into practical use right throughout a couple’s reproductive life, " said Bourke.
"It can be used to achieve a pregnancy, to space pregnancies and can also be used to alert a woman to the state of her reproductive health, "she added.
Once a woman understands what is normal for her during her menstrual cycles, she is then aware of the early signs of any abnormality. She can then seek appropriate medical care, she explained.
“I know of one woman who undoubtedly saved her life because she knew the Billings Ovulation Method and identified a change in her normal fertile patterns and was able to have early diagnosis and successful treatment for cervical cancer,” Bourke said. ENDS.
