The Association of Catholic Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (ACMPN) has reaffirmed its stance on natural birth control as the most suitable method of family planning for Nigerians.
This position was made public in a communiqué issued at the close of the ACMPN’s 19th Annual Scientific Conference and General Meeting, held from July 3 to 5, 2025, in Jos, Plateau State.
The statement was signed by the National President, Dr. Hadiza Abigail Agbo, and National Secretary, Dr. James Ojile.
Themed “Dwindling Moral Practices: A Call to Action,” the conference addressed a range of ethical and health-related concerns.
The Group emphasized the effectiveness of NaProTechnology, a natural reproductive health science, and urged the Federal Ministry of Health to adopt it as a formal method of family planning.
Catholic doctors were also advised to deepen their understanding of this technology and uphold the sanctity of life by avoiding any involvement in procedures that terminate pregnancies.
The ACMPN expressed concern over declining moral standards in the country, highlighting issues such as disregard for human dignity, organ harvesting, and the commercialization of healthcare.
The Group called on the Church to take a more active role in spiritual renewal and poverty alleviation, particularly among youth, noting that poverty often fuels societal problems.
In addition, the association raised alarm over the increasing adoption of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in agriculture.
While acknowledging the potential benefits of modern biotechnology, ACMPN warned against the non-replantable nature of GMO seeds, which they believe could lead to long-term dependence on foreign suppliers and “agricultural slavery.” They urged the government to prioritize national health by considering its agricultural future.
On marriage and inheritance, the association stressed that the “will” remains an essential component of Christian marriages and should not be overlooked in favor of court weddings.
They encouraged education for couples on inheritance rights to prevent harassment or rejection after the death of a spouse.
Finally, ACMPN called on Catholic doctors to serve as mentors to medical students, encouraging each chapter of the association to actively foster this mentorship role.
By Sunny A. David, Awka
