Sexuality & Approaches to Contraception

Jane Bennett

Within our experiences of sexuality are the powerful forces of fertility, of nature ensuring continuation, reproduction, replenishment and diversity.

Controlling human fertility has long been a concern and there are basically two approaches. One is to destroy fertility, either temporarily or permanently. The other is to understand fertility and work with that knowledge to the desired ends.

A similar approach to the former has been adopted by large scale, broad acre farming, wherein chemicals are used to destroy life forms that are not wanted (weeds and pests) and to promote those that are. The result of these methods, over time, is that the soil becomes seriously depleted and cannot produce anything without more and more chemical input. Food produced this way contains residues toxic to human beings and offers reduced nutrition and life force.

Representing the latter approach organic, biodynamic and permaculture methods seek to understand fertility and life forces, and work with that knowledge productively. Maintaining connection with land, soil, plants, animals, seasons and celestial cycles knowledge and intuition are employed to maximise benefits to all these. Amongst others, the results are rich, biologically alive soil, vibrant nutritious foods and healthy, happy animals and a diverse ecosystem.

The Natural Fertility Management methods represent this latter approach: to understand fertility and work with that knowledge to our desired ends.

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