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