Couples Ask: What?s Wrong With In-vitro Fertilization?

NCR ^ | August 8-14, 2004 | Tim Drake

[anniegetyourgun]

Sigh, it's all about us....

I Sam. 1:6(b)

[freeangel]

OOps--I guess that is one wonderful son, not som. And by the way, may God Bless you, too.

[Xenalyte]

I have never heard of any IVF involving implanting EVERY fertilized egg. They pick the strongest two or three and "save" the rest, then flush them all after one takes.

It's astoundingly selfish from my POV because there are thousands of EXISTING children who need homes and families, and because I don't feel the need to have a "blood child" of my own.

However, as SHOULD (but obviously doesn't) go without saying, that's just my opinion.

[Xenalyte]

FreeAngel answered the question better than I could.

It's presumptuous as all hell to second-guess God.

If He wants me to have a blood child, I will become pregnant someday. If He doesn't, we will adopt.

[rintense]

Your feminist slant is partially true. But many couples, however, wait until they are financially, emotionally, and spiritually ready to have a family. Considering what's in the best interest of a child and family, I have no problem with folks who wait until the right time.

As someone who has endometriosis and will have to battle infertility issues in the future if and when I get married, many friends have asked why I don't just try to have a child now? In fact, some on this board have said the exact same thing, since pregnancy is an effective (ha) way to control endo. Naturally, I have a moral dilemma with that. Having a child right now would be incredibly selfish. And since I want something better for my children than what I had growing up in a single-parent home, I am not willing to put my personal needs above the best interest of my child.

[rintense]

The process for the collection of sperm often necessitates masturbation, which is itself immoral. Yo Catholics, true or untrue? I'd always heard the jokes, but I had no idea it was Church dogma.

I'm still wondering if the 'you'll go blind' thing is true. I've done research online but have had a hard time seeing things. ;)

[ZGuy]

My wife and I thank God that He has given us two children through IVF who will grow up to love Him and praise Him and worship Him and serve Him now and forevermore. Feel free to heap cries of "Evil!" upon us -- we will be too busy thanking and praising the King of kings and Lord of lords for the two little blessings He has given us to notice.

[HRoarke]

If God wants me to miraculously recover from my cancer, then I will, if not, I will die.

No need for this radical intervention of chemo and radiation...?

[usafsk]

Look, God's plan for you is fine. We went through a variety of steps in terms of fertility assistance that was short of IVF, but nothing worked. Concurrently we started adoption procedures. We then did a ton of research on IVF and selected a successful clinic that was very open to our concerns. They helped us conceive our other children, and we also continued with the process for our adopted daughter. We are now a big, loud crowd when we go out.

Your initial question was why couples felt the need to have "their own children". The need was the same deep, emotional need that you felt to have "your" children. Having both natural (at least in my opinion, although not the Catholic Church's) and adopted children, I really don't understand the distinction you are trying to make.

[Lazamataz]

Couples Ask: What's Wrong With In-vitro Fertilization?

Nothing, so long as I get to date the chick.

[rintense]

Your story gives me hope.

[Blacksheep]

My twin nephews and niece all invitro may want to argue that with you.

[Lazamataz]

Look, God's plan for you is fine.

G-d's plan for me is to become Colonel Lazamataz, Maximum Leader of the United States.

[HRoarke]

I can see your point on the adoption standopoint, but really that decision can be made by those who can conceive without assistance too. The burden to adopt the world's children shouldn't fall on those with "lazy sperm" or the like.

Your info on the process might be correct in some circumstances, but parents are given quite a bit of leeway in what can be done with the fertilized eggs that aren't implanted the first time.

[Xenalyte]

How many siblings of those twins were sacrificed?

[Xenalyte]

If I could be assured that EVERY fertilized egg would be implanted, I would be far more accepting of the procedure.

[Blacksheep]

O........two eggs two babies. How many embryos are fertilized through regular selfish sex only to have them go down the toilet because they weren't viable? Maybe anyone that has sex for fun should be on your list of evil doers?

[tjwmason]

Now, those who oppose IVF and cherish life so dearly, what would you have me do with my children?

I am certain that everybody who cherishes life (including by definition, all faithful Catholics) would have you raise your children to the best of your ability. From what you write, this appears to be the case.

The question here is about whether it is moral to use I.V.F. Once a child is created, whatever the circumstances of conception, that child should have the fullest respect afforded to it.

[usafsk]

Your knowledge and assumptions about the IVF process are overly general and presumptious. Most clinics will work within your specific constraints if you simply ask. Now you've heard of two cases of full implantation methods, so you can correct at least one of your assumptions.

As for logic on selfishness, wouldn't it also apply to those who have conjugal children. Why would they bother to have children when there are already plenty of needed children ready for adoption? Why have pets? Why have fancy cars or any worldy possessions when we could be adopting children and caring for them? If only we could all be as unselfish as you.

Try not to project your messiah complex on to the rest of us. We're just trying, in our weakness, to toe the line.

[maggief]

My first IVF was successful, all fertilized eggs were implanted, none frozen or destroyed. I'm blessed with a beautiful son, now ten years old. I'm a single mom since my husband passed away from cancer just over a year ago. I give thanks every day for my miracle. I'm Catholic, btw.