If you’ve ever felt lost or frustrated about infertility treatments, this is the conversation for you. Doug Hinderer sits down with Sister Renée Mirkes, OSF, PhD, to talk about NaPro Technology: a Church-approved, medically sound, and morally ethical alternative to IVF. It actually treats the root cause of infertility instead of just bypassing it.

So, What is NaPro Technology?

NaPro (Natural Procreative Technology) is a woman-friendly, marriage-friendly, and life-friendly approach to infertility that treats infertility as a symptom of an underlying health issue rather than just a problem to work around. It’s like actually fixing the car instead of just pushing it down the road.

Unlike IVF (which ignores the root causes and just attempts fertilization in a lab), NaPro:

Identifies and treats hormonal imbalances, ovulatory dysfunction, endometriosis, and other conditions

Uses diagnostic procedures like ultrasounds, blood tests, and laparoscopy to get to the bottom of fertility issues

Supports a couple’s natural act of love and procreation instead of replacing it with a laboratory process

Why IVF is a No-Go for Catholics

Sister Renée explains that IVF separates conception from the marital act, which is a big moral red flag . The Church teaches (Humanae Vitae & Donum Vitae) that every baby should be conceived through an act of love, not in a Petri dish. IVF also:

Leaves the woman’s fertility issues untreated

Creates and often destroys extra embryos through freezing or stem cell research

Turns babies into commodities rather than gifts from God

The Cost Factor

IVF is $15,000–$25,000 per cycle. NaPro is as little as $500–$600 for charting classes, with additional costs depending on medical needs. Plus, since NaPro treats actual health conditions, many procedures can be covered by insurance.

Where Can You Find NaPro Specialists?

NaPro-trained doctors and surgeons exist across the U.S., but for the full experience, the St. Paul VI Institute in Omaha is the place to go. You don’t always have to travel, but it depends on your case.

Want to Learn More?

If you or someone you love is struggling with infertility, email Sister Renée at ethics@popepaulvi.com. She’s ready to help!

Moral of the story: NaPro Technology works with God’s design for life, marriage, and health… offering real hope and healing to couples facing infertility.

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