Chinese thank John Billings, father of natural family planning
Hong Kong (AsiaNews) – China’s Catholics today remembered the Australian doctor John Billings, who died on April first. Thanks to his studies into natural birth control methods, tens of thousands of abortions have been avoided. The Catholic researcher, famous throughout the world for his natural family planning method, visited China for the first time in 1989: since then he returned frequently, to teach doctors and health workers about the only contraceptive method which does not violate Church teaching.
The Billings Ovulation Method is based on analyses of the female menstrual cycle, allowing for a completely natural reading of fertile and sterile periods. Prof. Billings, together with his wife Evelyn, perfected the method in over 50 years of observation.
Since its introduction to China it has been an acclaimed success. In fact a family planning law is in vigour in the country which allows urban couples to have only one child (while the limit for rural couples rises to two). Thanks to the Billings, many women have been able to avoid abortions – often forced – as set out by the law.
Currently, the Australian doctor’s family planning method is the only one official approved by Beijing: it is in use in 18 provinces. According to an article written by Mrs. Billings, in China there are now an average 1.900 method instructors, who in turn “educate” almost 50 locals. Moreover translations of medical texts on natural planning have been sent out, and the method has been adopted by an average three and half million Chinese couples. The overall success rate, she writes, “is now 99%”.
A Catholic woman in Hong Kong, who assisted Dr. Billings in his trip to China, said that John Billing is greatly remembered. "The contribution of Dr. Billings is not limited to the Catholic Church. He gained the support of Chinese government, " the lady, who preferred not be named, said April 3.”In short, he helped save lives from abortion."
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