EXPANDING REPRODUCTIVE CHOICES IN PUBLIC HEALTH: INTEGRATING THE BILLINGS OVULATION METHOD INTO FAMILY AND COMMUNITY MEDICINE RESIDENCY

Henrique Metzker Ferro; André Metzker Ferro; Camila Rodrigues Ribeiro Metzker Ferro; Júlia Luiza de Faria

Título do Trabalho

Autores

Henrique Metzker Ferro
André Metzker Ferro
Camila Rodrigues Ribeiro Metzker Ferro
Júlia Luiza de Faria

Modalidade

Resumo

Área temática

Compromisso Social do Médico Católico

Data de Publicação

21/08/2026

País da Publicação

Brasil

Idioma da Publicação

pt-BR

Página do Trabalho

https://www.even3.com.br/anais/xxvii-fiamc-world-congress-for-catholic-physicians-abstract-session-688844/1507457-expanding-reproductive-choices-in-public-health--integrating-the-billings-ovulation-method-into-family-and-commu

ISBN

978-65-272-2684-0

Palavras-Chave

Billings; Billings Ovulation Method; Responsible parenthood;

Resumo

Introduction: In Primary Health Care, patients are frequently offered only artificial contraceptive methods, often ignoring the ethical convictions of both patients and Catholic physicians. Catholic Social Doctrine advocates for "responsible parenthood" through natural methods that respect the dignity of the human person and the integrity of the conjugal act. For the Catholic physician, social commitment involves providing high-quality, side-effect-free alternatives to the prevailing contraceptive culture, ensuring that families in vulnerable territories have access to the Church’s teachings on fertility. Case Description: During a two-year Family and Community Medicine residency (2024–2026), a physician identified a significant gap in the provision of natural fertility awareness methods within a public primary care facility. Faced with the inability to offer alternatives to artificial methods, the resident became a certified Billings Ovulation Method (BOM) instructor. Following this qualification, the physician offered BOM as a legitimate health monitoring and family planning option during consultations. By the end of the residency, three patients had fully transitioned to BOM, with follow-up through in-person appointments and telehealth. This initiative allowed for a personalized approach, empowering women to understand their own physiology. Beyond technical instruction, it provided an initial contact with the Church’s doctrine on responsible parenthood and chastity. A key focus was the active participation of the husband, shifting the responsibility of fertility management from the woman alone to the couple, fostering shared commitment and mutual respect. Conclusion: Integrating the Billings Ovulation Method into the public health system is a concrete expression of the Catholic physician's social commitment. Although the initial number of patients was small, the successful implementation proves that natural methods are viable in primary care. This experience highlights the importance of professional qualification to overcome the "contraceptive mentality," offering a path that respects medical ethics, the dignity of the marital bond, and the integral health of families within their communities.

Título do Evento: XXVII FIAMC World Congress for Catholic Physicians - ABSTRACT SESSION
Cidade do Evento: Brasília
Título dos Anais do Evento: Proceedings of the XXVII FIAMC World Congress of Catholic Physicians and VI Brazilian Congress of Catholic Physicians
Nome da Editora: Even3
Meio de Divulgação: Meio Digital

Como citar

FERRO, Henrique Metzker et al.. EXPANDING REPRODUCTIVE CHOICES IN PUBLIC HEALTH: INTEGRATING THE BILLINGS OVULATION METHOD INTO FAMILY AND COMMUNITY MEDICINE RESIDENCY.. In: Proceedings of the XXVII FIAMC World Congress of Catholic Physicians and VI Brazilian Congress of Catholic Physicians. Anais...Brasília(DF) Casa Dom Luciano, 2026. Disponível em: https//www.even3.com.br/anais/xxvii-fiamc-world-congress-for-catholic-physicians-abstract-session-688844/1507457-EXPANDING-REPRODUCTIVE-CHOICES-IN-PUBLIC-HEALTH--INTEGRATING-THE-BILLINGS-OVULATION-METHOD-INTO-FAMILY-AND-COMMU. Acesso em: 11/09/2026