14 SEPTEMBER 1991, Page 26

LETTERS Misconceptions

Sir: William Cash (7 September) is proba- bly broadly right in implying that the Catholic Church's objections to 'artificial' contraception are increasingly ignored by the faithful. However, it would be superfi- cial to dismiss Natural Family Planning completely. It can be, for some people, a very good choice in fertility control. Its advantages are (1) it is free; (2) it is non- invasive, and does not involve chemicals or steroids; (3) it teaches women how their own bodies function; (4) it teaches men about the rhythms of fertility; (5) it teaches self-control, which, curious or not, some people find erotic; (6) it can be used for the reverse purpose of enhancing fertility.

The problem, of course, is that it does not suit everyone, and it is not foolproof; but then, perhaps it is rather foolish of us to imagine that we are all perfectly in control of our lives anyhow.

Mary Kenny London W11