FOR THE STUDY OF HUMAN REPRODUCTION
The Pope Paul VI Institute for the Study of Human
Reproduction in Omaha, Nebraska was established to provide the highest quality
services in research and education in natural family planning and women's
reproductive health care. These services, set in a Christian environment and
fully in accord with Catholic Church teaching, are offered in an attitude of
respect for the sanctity of human life and the dignity of each person.
Dr. Thomas Hilgers is the founder and director of the Pope
Paul VI Institute. An obstetrician-gynecologist and reproductive surgeon, he
dedicated his professional life to this work after reading Pope Paul VI's great
encyclical, Humanae Vitae in 1968. His work led to the development
of the Creighton Model Natural Family Planning System (CrM NFP) which is a
standardized modification of the Ovulation Method.
In 1985, Dr. Hilgers and his wife, Susan, opened the Pope
Paul VI Institute as a response to Humanae Vitae and a memorial to
the Holy Father.
The Pope Paul VI Institute houses various divisions within
it. These include: The National Women's Health Center, Ultrasound Center and
Hormone Laboratory. It also includes the Client Education Center, Psychological
Counseling Center, Center for NaProEthics, and The Chapel of the Holy Family.
In addition, the Institute's Natural Family Planning
Education Program is the only professional training program for natural family
planning in the United States offering a curriculum which is based on an allied
health education model. It provides training for Practitioners and Medical
Consultants. These programs are accredited by the American Academy of Natural
Family Planning and are affiliated with Creighton University. A Catholic
Leadership Conference designed to assist Religious and lay leaders to articulate
competently and joyfully the teachings of the Church in regard to family
planning is also offered.
This work has been built on the strong foundation of
scientific Research. Dr. Hilgers and his colleagues have completed over 50
research projects. Scientists, physicians and Creighton Model natural family
planning teachers are collaborators in many of these important studies. Through
these research efforts, an exciting new science has emerged called NaPro
Technology. It refers to the use of Natural Procreative Technologies. NaPro
Technology is a contemporary new approach to women's health care which is
medically safe, effective and respectful to the dignity of women. In addition,
it is committed to the principle that fertility is a part of health and should
not be treated as a disease. It's built upon the Creighton Model Natural Family
Planning charting and can be used to achieve or avoid pregnancy. It can also be
used to assist in the identification and treatment of various gynecologic
abnormalities.
Books, audio and video tapes are available to the public as a
result of the Institute's work. Among these are the videotape, Living
Proof, which shows conception to birth through color photography and
ultrasound clearly depicting the humanity of the unborn; the book, The
Medical Application of Natural Family Planning
which provides a guide in NaPro Technology. In addition, the book
The Scientific Foundations of the Ovulation Method provides a
compilation of the research work that has been done over the years on the
Ovulation Method. Many other tapes and books are available for purchase.
The Pope Paul VI Institute is now internationally recognized
as a leader in human reproduction. While fully following Catholic Church
teaching, its service is to people of all faiths. In 1993, Pope John Paul II
named Dr. Hilgers and his wife, Susan to the Pontifical Council for the Family
and in 1994, Dr. Hilgers was named to the Pontifical Academy for Life.
The future is wide open and the Church, indeed the world,
need the important scientific and education endeavors of the Pope Paul VI
Institute. Adequate funding is the most crucial and urgent need faced daily
by the Institute.
If you would like to assist in the work of the Pope Paul VI Institute or
would like more information about the work or materials contact: Thomas W.
Hilgers, M.D., Director, Pope Paul VI Institute, 6901 Mercy Road, Omaha, NE
68106, (402) 390-6600.
Educational Materials on Abortion
