Guest column by Fr. Adam Sparling
The legal and ethical dimensions surrounding reproductive technologies have taken center stage, with the recent Alabama court’s decision raising significant concerns. The ruling, which equates frozen embryos with the legal status of living children, poses profound implications for families and companies involved in in vitro fertilization (IVF). To understand the complexities of this decision, it’s crucial to first comprehend what IVF is and then explore the moral teachings of the Catholic Church on this matter.
In short, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is an invasive laboratory procedure designed to assist individuals or couples struggling with fertility issues to conceive a child. The process involves combining eggs and sperm outside the body in a laboratory dish. This can be done through traditional insemination, where sperm are added to the eggs, or through intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), where a single sperm is directly injected into an egg. Through this process and fertilization of a woman’s eggs, embryos are created, after which one or more embryos are inserted into the uterus in hopes that at least one embryo would attach to the uterine wall, leading to pregnancy. Those fertilized embryos which are not inserted into the uterus are kept frozen.
According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average success rate for IVF in the United States was around 22% for women under 35, with the success rates decreasing as the woman’s age increases. Success rates are typically lower for women over 40. In the United States, the average cost of a single IVF cycle can range from $12,000 to $15,000, not including additional medications and diagnostic tests. Although there might be great joy from a positive result from IVF, there is also a grave injustice done.
The Catholic Church’s moral stance on IVF is rooted in its pro-life teachings, emphasizing the sanctity of human life from conception. The Church opposes the artificial process of conception of IVF, as well as the creation of multiple embryos, selective reduction if one or more embryos were to attach, and the freezing of embryos, as the Church holds firm that these practices violate the dignity of human life. The ends, although applaudable in wanting to welcome life, do not justify the artificial means and even destruction of life to justify that end.
The Church encourages couples not to use invasive artificial means, but, instead, to seek alternative moral methods that respect the integrity of the marital act and the sanctity of human life.
The Pope Paul VI Institute for the Study of Human Reproduction is a leader in encouraging and helping women and couples to use moral means to deal with infertility. The institute, in Omaha, was founded by Dr. Thomas W. Hilgers in 1985. Dr. Hilgers is a Catholic obstetrician-gynecologist known for his work in the field of natural fertility regulation and women’s health. The institute focuses on research, education and medical services related to reproductive health and fertility with an emphasis on adhering to Catholic teachings. Some of the key services and approaches offered by the institute:
Natural Procreative Technology (NaProTechnology): The institute is known for developing and promoting NaProTechnology, an approach to fertility care that is consistent with Catholic moral principles. This method involves monitoring and interpreting a woman’s menstrual and fertility cycles to identify the underlying causes of infertility and other reproductive health issues. It aims to work cooperatively with the woman’s reproductive system to achieve and maintain pregnancy while addressing any underlying health issues. NaPro Technology is more focused on understanding and working with the natural reproductive processes.
FertilityCare System: The institute teaches the Creighton Model FertilityCare System, which is a standardized method of tracking a woman’s menstrual cycle by observing biological markers. This information can be used to diagnose and treat various reproductive health problems.
The Alabama court’s decision to legally equate frozen embryos with living children has ignited discussions about the implications of IVF and the broader ethical considerations surrounding reproductive technologies. While understanding and empathizing with those struggling with infertility, it is essential that couples explore alternatives that align with moral principles, such as those offered by the Pope Paul VI Institute and organizations like it. Navigating the delicate balance between the desire for parenthood and ethical considerations is crucial for shaping a compassionate and informed discourse on this complex issue.
To those couples who struggle with infertility, let me speak directly to you here. The journey of infertility is undoubtedly a challenging one, filled with emotional ups and downs that may seem insurmountable at times. In these moments of hardship, it’s essential to remember that you are not alone.
As Catholics, we find solace in the teachings of our faith, which encourage us to turn to God in times of struggle. Although I myself have not experienced your pain in this way, I acknowledge that your pain of infertility can be overwhelming, and it’s okay to feel a range of emotions.
In our faith, we believe that God’s plan for each of us is unique, and sometimes our understanding is limited. You might be questioning why, in a world filled with so many choosing to abort their children, are you, a loving couple wanting to welcome a child into this world, not being afforded that gift. The honest truth is that I can’t give you the answer to that question, but we must trust in His divine wisdom to provide strength and comfort during adversity and difficult situations.
I encourage you to lean on your faith community for support. Sharing your burdens with others, whether it’s friends, family, or fellow parishioners, can bring a sense of connection and understanding. As Catholics, we often find strength in prayer and the sacraments. Seek solace in the rituals of our faith, and allow the love and compassion of those around you to provide a source of comfort.
Remember that your worth is not solely determined by the ability to conceive. Each individual is a beloved child of God, cherished for his or her unique gifts and qualities. While the path may be challenging, I believe that God walks beside you, offering strength, guidance, and unwavering love.
I pray that through the ethical and moral resources we have, God may grant you the gift to conceive. May the grace of God be with you, comforting you in moments of despair and filling your heart with hope for the future!
