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Pope Paul VI Institute: treating infertility with morally acceptable means
By Julie Filby
Kathleen and Greg Morroni, parishioners of Our Lady of Loreto in Foxfield, suffered four miscarriages in 10 years while trying to build their family. They consulted various fertility care specialists for help.
“They didn’t do any real investigations as to what my underlying problems were,” said Kathleen, a nurse practitioner. “We were able to get pregnant on our own, but unable to maintain pregnancies.”
They became aware of the Omaha-based Pope Paul VI Institute for the Study of Human Reproduction from friends in the parish. For 25 years, the institute has been challenging mainstream medicine’s use of artificial reproductive technology by developing natural and morally acceptable options, aimed at treating underlying problems.
The institute is internationally recognized for developing the Creighton Model FertilityCare System and NaPro Technology (natural procreative technology). The Creighton Model tracks biomarkers to monitor hormonal events during a woman’s menstrual cycle to determine fertility. It can be used in conjunction with NaPro Technology to diagnose and treat reproductive and gynecological problems, and employ medical and surgical approaches to correct conditions while sustaining procreative potential.
The Morroni’s sought help from local consultant, Dr. Edwin T. Anselmi. Anselmi was able to help with thyroid issues and perform a hormone profile. The couple then traveled to Omaha where founder and director of the Pope Paul VI Institute, Dr. Thomas W. Hilgers, performed a laparoscopy (surgery using a thin, lighted tube to view pelvic organs), and later a laparotomy (major abdominal surgery allowing for inspection and removal of structural problems).
At age 42, Kathleen had a trouble-free pregnancy, a natural delivery, and a happy healthy daughter. Mary Joy was born March 24, 2009.
“We are forever grateful to Dr. and Sue Hilgers, the staff at the institute, the medical consultants, and FertilityCare practitioners for being countercultural and offering real truth,” said Kathleen, who is also a Creighton practitioner. “If I can prevent someone from experiencing the loss and abandonment I experienced by ‘fertility care specialists’ that didn’t investigate the real diagnosis and treatments, within a moral framework, I’m all for it.”
By identifying and treating the underlying diseases that cause infertility, the institute works with the body as opposed to artificial methods that may “drive” or “replace” natural functions. The institute claims an effectiveness rate greater than 80 percent in some cases, generally a higher rate than expected from artificial reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization and artificial insemination.
“Once artificial reproductive technology is used, it’s easier to go down the path of sterilization or abortion without ever meaning to,” Kathleen said.
On Sept. 2-5 the Pope Paul VI Institute sponsored a Celebration of Love and Life to observe their silver anniversary. Hundreds attended the celebration at the institute’s 14,000-square-foot facility in Omaha, Neb., for talks, a family fun day and a banquet.
“The institute was founded in September 1985 in the face of great difficulties, and people saying it would fail,” according to Dr. Hilgers. “The whole (anniversary) celebration exceeded my expectations, it was really terrific—the people who attended were ‘on fire.’”
Denver Auxiliary Bishop James D. Conley attended the Labor Day weekend event.
“The archbishop (Chaput) and I wanted to show our support to Dr. Hilgers and the institute for the tremendous work they’ve done, and continue to do, in the area of infertility and procreative medicine,” Bishop Conley said. “He has been a pioneer and a true hero in ‘taking to heart’ Pope Paul VI’s watershed encyclical Humanae Vitae.”
When Humanae Vitae (“Of Human Life”), the papal letter on artificial contraception and the role of procreation in marriage, was released in 1968 Dr. Hilgers was completing medical school.
“When the pope issued Humanae Vitae he asked different groups to become involved including men of science,” he said. “When he died (Aug. 6, 1978), my wife and I turned to each other and promised to start the Pope Paul VI Institute.”
The institute’s research, education and services have impacted thousands of women, couples, doctors, medical students and priests all over the world. They also address healthcare issues such as depression, irritability, premenstrual syndrome, pelvic pain, period problems and headaches.
“Many women suffer from a variety of symptoms related to hormonal problems,” explained Carrie Keating, leader of the Denver FertilityCare Center. “We’re able to accurately evaluate post-ovulatory hormone levels and supplement the hormones needed to restore the imbalance.”
There are 16 FertilityCare practitioners and three medical consultants in the Denver area, including obstetrician-gynecologist Megan Woodman, M.D., who recently completed a one-year fellowship at the Pope Paul VI Institute. Dr. Woodman provides a local alternative in the medical and surgical practice of NaPro Technology.
“Because of places like the Pope Paul VI Institute, there are now much better ways to treat and serve women,” Bishop Conley said.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Pope Paul VI Institute
www.popepaulvi.com or call 402-390-6600
For a list of Denver-area FertilityCare practitioners and consultants, visit www.fertilitycaredenver.com
“The NaPro Technology Revolution: Unleashing the Power in a Woman’s Cycle”
by Thomas W. Hilgers, M.D.
Available at www.amazon.com
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