FTA:
“The church has compassion for couples suffering from infertility and wants to be of real help to them,” according to the document. “At the same time, some ‘reproductive technologies’ are not morally legitimate ways to solve those problems.”
Church teaching says technology used to facilitate or support marital conjugation and conception is fine, but any other technology is not.
For instance, church teaching is compatible with tests and treatment for low sperm count or problems with ovulation, but not with artificial insemination by anyone other than the husband. Even using the husband’s sperm is forbidden if it is obtained in any way other than normal intercourse.
“Children have a right to be conceived by the act that expresses and embodies their parents’ self-giving love,” according to the U.S. bishops. “Morally responsible medicine can assist this act but should never substitute for it.”
Excellent article. Catholics may not like to hear this but they definitely need to be educated in this teaching. There are sound and valid reasons for why the Church takes this approach. Recall the reaction of Catholics to the Church’s refusal to endorse artificial birth control.
Very well stated.