PIP: Natural family planning methods include the temperature method and the ovualtion method; sometimes the 2 methods are used together. The fundamental feature of natural family planning is sexual abstinence a few days before and after ovulation. Such methods are the only ones approved by the Catholic Church, and are the methods of choice for only a minority of catholics. The author conducted a survey among 80 couples practicing the rhythm method; 62 couples answered questions as to reasons for choosing natural methods, religiosity, and sharing decision making, home work, and child care. 40% of couples were under 30; 45% had been married less than 5 years, and 32% had no children; average length of time using the method was 27 months. 58% of respondents had chosen the method because of a preference for natural methods, and only 31% because of a sense of duty toward the church; 40% of those who accepted it out of preference and not out of obedience found sexual abstinence acceptable. 79% of couples indicated to arrive at decisions by talking things over, and 65% claimed to share household responsibilities, and 73% childcare responsibilities. 37% rated themselves as deeply religious; 13% were using the method in combination with use of condom during fertile days because they did not wish to abstain from coitus.