Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

In 1968, Pope St. Paul VI issued an encyclical that would change the course of Dr. Thomas Hilgers’ life. The encyclical, “Humanae Vitae,” was a papal condemnation of artificial contraception. Hilgers, then a medical student, embraced the teaching and committed himself to improving fertility awareness-based methods for family planning, also known as natural family planning (NFP).

“When ‘Humanae Vitae’ came out, most people rejected it,” Dr. Teresa Hilgers, Thomas Hilgers’ daughter, told OSV News. “My dad felt like it called to him.”

Over the years, Thomas Hilgers co-created an NFP method and developed a medical science that works with a woman’s body to treat gynecological problems. He pioneered a surgical technique called pelvioplasty that largely eliminates scar tissue.

He and his wife, Sue Hilgers, founded the St. Paul VI Institute in Omaha, Nebraska. His work inspired two of his children, Drs. Teresa and Steve Hilgers, to become OB-GYNs. “‘Humanae Vitae’ and all those teachings have been interwoven through the fabric of my family,” explained Teresa Hilgers.

When the papal document was first issued, finding it was difficult for Thomas Hilgers.

“I went to the Newman Club chaplain and I asked him where I could get a copy,” he told OSV News. “He looked at me sort of funny and said, ‘What do you want to read that kind of trash for?’” Hilgers ended up getting a copy from the Knights of Columbus for 25 cents. “I read it and I was an instant convert,” he said.

In 1976, he started an NFP research center in St. Louis with his wife Sue and two nurses Ann Prebil and Diane Daly. Later moving to Creighton University School of Medicine led their NFP method to be known as the Creighton Model FertilityCare System.

Once patients could accurately chart their menstrual cycles, Thomas Hilgers used this information to diagnose and treat underlying causes of pain or infertility—a science known as natural procreative technology (NaProTechnology). He developed pelvioplasty to improve outcomes for women needing surgery for endometriosis and other gynecological issues.

In 1985, they opened what is now the St. Paul VI Institute in Omaha. At first progress was slow said Steve Hilgers.

“When the institute opened...I remember licking stamps on envelopes...Just getting one additional doctor...was about equivalent to an act of Congress—it was so difficult...Now fast forward we have a whole group...bringing NaProTechnology to people.”

Growing up Teresa remembers sitting in conference rooms as her parents talked about fertility; hearing about progesterone at dinner made her initially shy away from medicine but eventually she became an OB-GYN herself.

“I think it was God guiding me,” she said.

Steve studied law before deciding on medicine specializing in obstetrics after he and his wife Laura struggled with infertility using NaProTechnology themselves leading them having five children aged 5-15 years old inspiring him further into this field.

Both siblings trained under their father through fellowship programs offering advanced training in natural fertility regulation reproductive endocrinology & surgery jokingly mentioning how awkward Thanksgiving dinners would be if not accepted into these programs by their father according Teresa working now at institute while Steve works at Houston Methodist Hospital Texas

Thomas & Sue have three more children besides Teresa & Steve—Paul director personnel at institute Michael attorney general Nebraska Matthew perfusionist operating cardiopulmonary bypass machine

Though grandchildren still young future continuation seems likely believes son Steve seeing potential further growth hoping expanding movement fundraising specialty hospital researching abortion studies continuing laying foundations ensuring growing interest care provided eagerly carrying fathers mission onward believing strongly support divine intervention doing right

“There’s lot work done but laid down some foundations continue grow because many people want type care” stated hopeful optimistic future generations follow footsteps supporting providing specialized care field initiated by pioneering efforts original founder visionary leader guiding force behind transformative healthcare model revolutionizing approach gynecological treatments advancing patient-centric methodologies integrating faith-based principles delivering comprehensive compassionate solutions empowering individuals families navigating complex health challenges contributing significantly overall well-being societal impact