For Anna Crain, fertility care is more than a profession. It is a mission she believes God has placed on her heart.

As director of Northland FertilityCare™, Crain has spent the past eight years accompanying women and couples through some of life’s most personal and challenging moments. Whether a woman is seeking a better understanding of her reproductive health, struggling with infertility, recovering from miscarriage or planning for a family, Crain sees each encounter as an opportunity to walk alongside someone with compassion and hope.

“Everyone comes from a different place,” she said. “Fertility is such a private and vulnerable topic. Being able to give women and couples the space to talk about it brings me great joy.”

That mission is now being strengthened through a new partnership between Northland FertilityCare™ and the Diocese of Duluth, making fertility education and support more accessible to parishioners throughout the diocese.

Northland FertilityCare™ provides education through the Creighton Model FertilityCare System, a method that teaches women to observe and chart biological markers related to their reproductive and gynecological health. By understanding the naturally occurring phases of fertility and infertility, women gain valuable insight into their overall health while couples are equipped to make informed decisions consistent with their fertility goals.

Crain said the process often begins with education. As women learn more about their cycles and reproductive health, they frequently discover a new sense of confidence and empowerment.

“A common reaction even after the introductory session is, ‘Why didn’t I learn this in high school?’” she said.

The services offered by Northland FertilityCare™, including natural family planning, align with Catholic teaching on the dignity of the human person and the sacredness of life. Crain points to St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body as a foundation for understanding the deeper meaning of fertility and marriage.

“NFP is really Theology of the Body lived out,” she said.

While Northland serves people of all faith backgrounds, Crain has witnessed how learning about fertility can lead people to a deeper appreciation for the gift of their bodies and God’s design. Though the organization’s goal is not conversion, she has often seen clients become more open as women and couples discover the beauty and purpose behind the Church’s teaching.

Through the diocesan partnership, parishioners can begin with a free introductory session by signing up through Northland FertilityCare™  or contacting the organization directly. Clients are then paired with a trained FertilityCare™ Practitioner who provides personalized education and ongoing support as they learn to chart and better understand their fertility and reproductive health. When needed, practitioners can connect clients with physicians trained in restorative reproductive medicine for additional care. To help remove financial barriers, the Diocese of Duluth will cover the first year of services, up to $500.

For the Diocese of Duluth, the partnership is about investing in the well-being of individuals, marriages, and families in the diocese.

“We meet people wherever they’re at,” Crain said. “Our goal is to walk with them and help them move forward with confidence, knowledge, and hope.”

In doing so, the partnership offers parishioners a practical resource rooted in both sound fertility care and a Catholic vision of human dignity. 

Virtual Introductory Sessions

Oct. 12
Nov. 9
Dec. 14

To register, visit Northlandfertilitycare.com.