By John-Henry Westen
MELBOURNE, Australia, March 30, 2007 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Dr. John Billings, founder of the Billings Ovulation Method of Natural Family Planning is near death according to family and friends. Billings work has influenced millions, enabling countless childless couples to achieve pregnancy and also assist couples who needed to space children without resorting to potentially abortifacient contraception.
Rose Heron, the Canadian representative on the board of the World Organization Ovulation Method Billings (WOOMB), shared her thoughts on Dr. Billings with LifeSiteNews.com.
Dr. Billings developed the new method of fertility regulation in 1950 after it was found that the calendar rhythm method had a substantial unreliability in terms of being able to avoid pregnancy. The method tracks fertility by paying attention to the sensation at the vulva and the appearance of any vaginal discharge. This information can be used to achieve or avoid a pregnancy and can be used even during irregular cycles, breastfeeding, or peri-menopause.
Heron told LifeSiteNews.com that Billings, a neurologist, had decided to undertake the research project into the method he developed for only a couple of months. His work in this area instead continued for fifty years. Dr. Billings was awarded and urged on in his work by both Pope Paul VI, and John Paul II.
He travelled the world teaching his methods and only about eight years ago did he and his wife Dr. Lyn Billings stop world tours. They continued however to travel to China and Pakistan until recently.
Heron said she was very saddened to hear of Dr. Billings’ failing health. “He was a pillar of the international community in regards to women’s health,” she said. “A wonderful promoter of marriage and family and healthy sexuality,” she added.
Speaking of Dr. Billings’ work Heron said, “It’s been life changing for me and many others, it helps us to live in harmony with the what God intended for us.”
WOOMB is asking for prayers for Dr. John Billings, his wife Dr. Lyn and their family.