Why Does the Church Prohibit In Vitro Fertilization?



Dear Catholic Exchange:

I would like to know if you could send me some links and answers about why the Church does not allow the use of in vitro in couples with fertility difficulties. What I have researched so far has been that the Church's position states that the “child is made in a laboratory instead of in the marital act with love.” However, I think that the fact that a couple is willing to go through such a painful and uncomfortable process is because they love that child so much. I humbly believe that baby is made with a great love anyways, because “mom and dad” decided to do that for him or her to be with them.

I am researching about in vitro because my husband and I have been trying to conceive a baby for the past 5 years and we have not been successful. We have tried almost every other method (including NFP) with the exception of in vitro. I just really want and NEED to know why is the Church opposed to in vitro. I have read so much and I still think I am missing the Church's point. I just don't understand it. Why is that we can not use technology to bring life? In vitro has developed greatly in the past years. Now the couple does not have to “destruct” the “left embryos,” but to preserve them. There is a technique called cryopreservation which is pro-life. So, please help me to understand why does the Church oppose such a sacrificial and great act of love for a child. We want to please God with our actions, that is why I am so concerned about trying in vitro or not.

Thanks for your help,

Ines

Dear Mrs. Ramirez,

Peace in Christ!

Please refer to our linked Faith Fact on Reproductive Technologies. You may also be interested in our Faith Fact “Be Fruitful and Multiply:” The Morality of Fertility Drugs.

United in the Faith,



Peter Balbirnie

Information Specialist

Catholics United for the Faith

827 North Fourth Street

Steubenville, OH 43952

800-MY-FAITH (800-693-2484)


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