When couples plan their family, it is good for them to reflect on key Catholic principles related to this important part of their vocational path as a married couple. 

Catholic Principles of Family Planning:
  1. It is the responsibility of the couple to faithfully and prayerfully discern their family planning intentions. See: Familiaris Consortio  ; Amoris Laetitia 
  2. None of their decisions should contradict God’s divine plan for marriage and family life.

​What is God’s plan for marriage and family life as revealed in the Bible?
  1. God designed the bond of marriage as a lifelong companionship.  "therefore, a man will leave his mother and father and is united with his wife and they become one." [Gen 2:24]
  2. Jesus affirmed the exclusivity of marriage with one spouse. 'They are no longer two, therefore, but one flesh. So then, what God has united, human beings must not divide' [Mt 19:6]
  3. Children are the fruit of marriage. 'your wife shall be like a fruitful vine. Within your house, your children like olive plants around your table. Behold, for thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord.' [Ps 128:4]
  4. Fertility is a gift from God to be treasured. 'Behold, children are a gift of the Lord; the fruit of the womb is a reward.' [Ps 127:3]

To follow God’s plan for marriage, especially how to accept fertility as a gift, requires education and knowledge. While it is best, if couples gain this education prior to getting married, it is available for them to explore at any time.

Many couples enter these questions when their learning need becomes evident to them.
This usually stems from either a need to (temporarily or permanently) limit their current family size (trying to avoid pregnancy) or to enhance their family size (trying to conceive).  

Resources on God's plan for Family Planning