Catholic republicans touting IVF

1,896 Views | 42 Replies | Last: 2 hrs ago by Quo Vadis?
Quo Vadis?
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Need to have their ability to receive the Eucharist rescinded pending spiritual direction, absolution and conversion.

IVF is much more insidious than abortion because it pretends to be about life, but in doing; achieves the wholesale slaughter of the unwanted.
Scotts Tot
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What is your perspective on married couples who implant every embryo they created and don't destroy any?
nortex97
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With everything else going on in the world, this one just doesn't get my engine going/fired up, to be frank. I know there are 'bad actors' in the IVF world but I also appreciate that it has helped childless couples, including our pastor, be able to have kids.

I just would prefer the various denominations first get out of the human smuggling/trafficking business entirely.
Pro Sandy
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The question of embryos is an important one.

Yes, lots of families have been helped by IVF. I have friends who suffered infertility but have children because of it.

But there are also embryos created that are not used that are later destroyed. This is not just ones implanted that do not result in pregnancy. That happens in natural childbirth. These are viable embryos, frozen, and later the couple decide to not use them. They are typically destroyed.

If you support IVF, you must know that it does result in the intentional destruction of embryos.

IVF also often times includes preimplantation genetic testing to determine viable embryos. That test can also be used to determine desired embryos. Don't want a girl or down syndrome? IVF can assure your desired child is chosen.

IVF is an amazing thing that has some highly ethical consequences that result in degrading the value of humans.
Bob Lee
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Scotts Tot said:

What is your perspective on married couples who implant every embryo they created and don't destroy any?


There's no way to do IVF that
A. Is not violative of the dignity of the human person
B. Doesn't separate procreation from the procreative act

We shouldn't create people in laboratories.
Pro Sandy
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nortex97 said:



I just would prefer the various denominations first get out of the human smuggling/trafficking business entirely.
That's just silliness, saying you can't care about the unborn because someone else is doing something you deem to be worse. Sin is sin, even if someone else is sinning.
Mostly Peaceful
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We had our two girls through IVF. I have since developed major ethical concerns with the practice, and while I do believe there may be appropriate ways to do it, our case certainly was not one of them.

Even still, God was incredibly gracious and merciful to us in those years. It has become a defining period of my life in that looking back, I'm not sure His love and providential care has ever been more evident than it was in the midst of my rebellion. He is good.

10andBOUNCE
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Love that take
dermdoc
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10andBOUNCE said:

Love that take
Agree. And it seems like when I was most rebellious in my younger days, just like you stated, God still showed me mercy and grace.
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10andBOUNCE
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My views have also changed quite a bit even over the last 1-2 years. Believing and living into our Christian duty to take care of widows and orphans.
dermdoc
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10andBOUNCE said:

My views have also changed quite a bit even over the last 1-2 years. Believing and living into our Christian duty to take care of widows and orphans.
I was fortunate to be able to take care of my widowed mother for over 20 years after my dad went to be with the Lord.

And I have for years had a small list of widows from my old church that I call and check on periodically. Makes me feel good.

Strongly suggest it.
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
747Ag
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As a Catholic, I (of course) have all sorts of objections to the process/practice such as the common use of pr0n and self abuse for obtaining semen to the "unused" embryos and the subsequent discarding of them. And as hinted at above, it's essentially the opposite of contraception.

However, in advancing public policy on the practice, I found this discussion to be very interesting. It really does not delve into anything theological (other than one of the panelists briefly mentioning JPII). The discussion does bring up the moral/ethical question of the created embryos. They speak of other methods to address fertility issues (e.g. attempting to address root cause rather than technological override) that have a higher success rate. They discuss the woman's biological clock. Overall, a good discussion, where the panel seems to be against the practice. Worth a listen (approx. 1 hour).

https://americanmind.org/audio/the-cincinnatus-series-ivf/
Quo Vadis?
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Mostly Peaceful said:

We had our two girls through IVF. I have since developed major ethical concerns with the practice, and while I do believe there may be appropriate ways to do it, our case certainly was not one of them.

Even still, God was incredibly gracious and merciful to us in those years. It has become a defining period of my life in that looking back, I'm not sure His love and providential care has ever been more evident than it was in the midst of my rebellion. He is good.




Regardless of the ethics of IVF, your kids are obviously gifts from God.
Howdy, it is me!
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This is a hard topic for me to discuss. It's pretty much the exact opposite of Abortion in some respects - a couple wants a child so desperately they go to the lengths of IVF for one. I'll shout from the rooftops against abortion but I find I can't be as loud about this topic. I have serious concerns with IVF but feel deeply for those who seek it out, as I do for those who seek abortion, but for different reasons. I do think creating embryos that are unused is akin to abortion and choosing your child based on genetic testing is…well, no.
Mark Fairchild
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What I believe strongly is that the Catholic Church has been miserably inept in articulating our position on IVF. Sadly it is only a "repeat" as pertains to abortion. We have failed to articulate the Church's position and understanding of what this form of fertilization entails. I truly believe that it takes much discernment and commitment to help the world understand what IVF is. We as workers in the Lord's vineyard are called to educate the world/political world to the aspects that are involved in this procedure and how it impacts everyone involved. Our Lord depends on us to tell and educate the world, not the politicians.

I find it impossible for anyone to make a decision of this great importance without sufficient knowledge of all that decision entails. There are so many ways to parenthood (adoption and Spiritual surrogation to name two). I pray for all concerned.
Gig'em, Ole Army Class of '70
File5
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Do you think it's the church not communicating its position well enough or do you think it's that others simply don't want to listen and understand the Catholic position? After all, willful ignorance is a handy excuse for many. It's very clear and easy to find but takes more than a 5 second review to understand the full position. Combine that with the emotions of having children and it's easy to just dismiss the Catholic perspective as religious fanaticism outright, regardless of how well you explain it. Same thing with abortion, same thing with contraceptives, same thing with the death penalty (ok, well it WAS until Pope Francis made his edit in the Catechism ha!)
Scotts Tot
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Bob Lee said:

Scotts Tot said:

What is your perspective on married couples who implant every embryo they created and don't destroy any?


There's no way to do IVF that
A. Is not violative of the dignity of the human person
B. Doesn't separate procreation from the procreative act

We shouldn't create people in laboratories.

What does this mean specifically with regard to IVF?
jkag89
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Promises made… (A somewhat lengthy blog post which expands on the X post above)
Wyoming Aggie
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Quo Vadis? said:

Need to have their ability to receive the Eucharist rescinded pending spiritual direction, absolution and conversion.

IVF is much more insidious than abortion because it pretends to be about life, but in doing; achieves the wholesale slaughter of the unwanted.

Catholic here and my wife and I are about to start IVF treatments in our early 40's. Can't wait. And I'll definitely still receive the Eucharist.
747Ag
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Wyoming Aggie said:

Quo Vadis? said:

Need to have their ability to receive the Eucharist rescinded pending spiritual direction, absolution and conversion.

IVF is much more insidious than abortion because it pretends to be about life, but in doing; achieves the wholesale slaughter of the unwanted.

Catholic here and my wife and I are about to start IVF treatments in our early 40's. Can't wait. And I'll definitely still receive the Eucharist.
https://naprotechnology.com/

Recommend you check this out first and see about root cause solutions rather than the band-aid.
Mark Fairchild
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What I have learned from over thirty years of Pro-Life work and personal position, is that regrettably too many Catholics much less the general population don't know what the Catholic Church teaches on "LIFE". The hierarchy of the Church in present times has done great harm to the understanding and implication of "LIFE" positions. To truly embrace what our Faith and Our Lord teaches on "LIFE" one must be able to truly seek God's plan for our Salvation. Sadly/Tragically, modern man/woman for the most part does not want to delve that deeply. With this understanding, it is my position to Pray, Fast, and try to fulfill my work in Our Lord's vineyard.
Gig'em, Ole Army Class of '70
Mark Fairchild
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Yes!!! I know for certain two families that conceived after receiving this treatment. They are two among thousands! Thank you for posting this.
Gig'em, Ole Army Class of '70
Bob Lee
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Scotts Tot said:

Bob Lee said:

Scotts Tot said:

What is your perspective on married couples who implant every embryo they created and don't destroy any?


There's no way to do IVF that
A. Is not violative of the dignity of the human person
B. Doesn't separate procreation from the procreative act

We shouldn't create people in laboratories.

What does this mean specifically with regard to IVF?


That people in the embryonic stage of development have a right their mother's uterus where they belong. Not in a petri dish or freezer or a medical waste bin. Even more basic than that, they have the right to be called into existence through an act of love between their biological mother and father. Not via technical procedure, and subjected to unknown number of possible human error that has resulted in women unwittingly giving birth to other parents' children, or men other than their husband's children. How many people are raising other people's biological children who think they're their own offspring? Usually they only find out if a white family has an Asian baby or something.
Quo Vadis?
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Wyoming Aggie said:

Quo Vadis? said:

Need to have their ability to receive the Eucharist rescinded pending spiritual direction, absolution and conversion.

IVF is much more insidious than abortion because it pretends to be about life, but in doing; achieves the wholesale slaughter of the unwanted.

Catholic here and my wife and I are about to start IVF treatments in our early 40's. Can't wait. And I'll definitely still receive the Eucharist.


Why? I don't understand this mindset. The church says "this is a moral evil", but you say "not only are we going to do this happily, we'll keep taking the Eucharist and we don't care what you say"?
PabloSerna
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"Need to have their ability to receive the Eucharist rescinded pending spiritual direction, absolution and conversion."

Only because you wrote it-

Is it your position that Jesus came for the righteous only?
Mostly Peaceful
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Wyoming Aggie said:

Quo Vadis? said:

Need to have their ability to receive the Eucharist rescinded pending spiritual direction, absolution and conversion.

IVF is much more insidious than abortion because it pretends to be about life, but in doing; achieves the wholesale slaughter of the unwanted.

Catholic here and my wife and I are about to start IVF treatments in our early 40's. Can't wait. And I'll definitely still receive the Eucharist.

You're obviously free to make your own decision, but I'd strongly recommend talking with catholics and protestants alike who might take exception, and doing so with an open mind. Beyond the ethical concerns, the process can itself can be extremely taxing both physically and mentally. It's no picnic for sure.
Bob Lee
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PabloSerna said:

"Need to have their ability to receive the Eucharist rescinded pending spiritual direction, absolution and conversion."

Only because you wrote it-

Is it your position that Jesus came for the righteous only?


What kind of question is this? It makes no sense. He's saying they need to repent so they can be brought back into communion with Christ's church. That's the opposite of "Jesus came for the righteous only."
Quo Vadis?
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PabloSerna said:

"Need to have their ability to receive the Eucharist rescinded pending spiritual direction, absolution and conversion."

Only because you wrote it-

Is it your position that Jesus came for the righteous only?


How did you get there from here? Let's just cut to the point with out any games. Does our church teach that IVF is a grave sin? Are we supposed to receive the Eucharist in a state of grave sin?
PabloSerna
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"The hierarchy of the Church in present times has done great harm to the understanding and implication of "LIFE" positions."

I've been involved myself for nearly 30 years and have not seen this aspect. Can you elaborate?
PabloSerna
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Immoral but not grave sin- unless there is an aspect of malice and intent.

This takes knowledge and assent to truth through the grace of wisdom. No doubt good people start down this path and encounter the immortality part. Then it becomes a choice after full knowledge.

Just trying to separate the different aspects of this act.
PabloSerna
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Since we are sharing …

Wife and I had a baby while at TAMU. She actually is called out in the Aggieland (1990?).

Like young parents, we got on the pill. No kids for 5 years or more. Then we came back to the RCC and understood the immoral aspect of that action. Stopped using the pill and God gave us 7 more in a span of 20 something years. Of course we were open to that reality.

Long story today that children are gift and not for man to manipulate. Be open to this gift and see what God has planned for you and your spouse.

747Ag
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PabloSerna said:

Immoral but not grave sin- unless there is an aspect of malice and intent.

This takes knowledge and assent to truth through the grace of wisdom. No doubt good people start down this path and encounter the immortality part. Then it becomes a choice after full knowledge.

Just trying to separate the different aspects of this act.
I'll add... the Church's teaching on IVF is lesser known than that of abortion. Those of us that are more studied on magisterial teaching might be surprised at how not well-known this teaching is, especially as the obvious intent is to conceive a child.

Yet, I believe the +Cordileone model is still warranted: privately discuss the matter with the pols publicly supporting this policy. If that fails, then levy the canonical penalty as medicine.
Wyoming Aggie
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Quo Vadis? said:

Wyoming Aggie said:

Quo Vadis? said:

Need to have their ability to receive the Eucharist rescinded pending spiritual direction, absolution and conversion.

IVF is much more insidious than abortion because it pretends to be about life, but in doing; achieves the wholesale slaughter of the unwanted.

Catholic here and my wife and I are about to start IVF treatments in our early 40's. Can't wait. And I'll definitely still receive the Eucharist.


Why? I don't understand this mindset. The church says "this is a moral evil", but you say "not only are we going to do this happily, we'll keep taking the Eucharist and we don't care what you say"?

I don't understand your mindset. Wanting to rescind my ability to receive the eucharist because my wife and I are trying to bring a new life into the world.

Do you people listen to yourselves? Get off your moral high horse. And you wonder why people are leaving the church in droves.
jkag89
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Have you even looked into the Church's reasons against IVF or are you just ignoring them?
Bob Lee
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Wyoming Aggie said:

Quo Vadis? said:

Wyoming Aggie said:

Quo Vadis? said:

Need to have their ability to receive the Eucharist rescinded pending spiritual direction, absolution and conversion.

IVF is much more insidious than abortion because it pretends to be about life, but in doing; achieves the wholesale slaughter of the unwanted.

Catholic here and my wife and I are about to start IVF treatments in our early 40's. Can't wait. And I'll definitely still receive the Eucharist.


Why? I don't understand this mindset. The church says "this is a moral evil", but you say "not only are we going to do this happily, we'll keep taking the Eucharist and we don't care what you say"?

I don't understand your mindset. Wanting to rescind my ability to receive the eucharist because my wife and I are trying to bring a new life into the world.

Do you people listen to yourselves? Get off your moral high horse. And you wonder why people are leaving the church in droves.


You're taking this personally. There's a difference between sinning privately, and public figures bringing scandal to the Church, which is specifically what he's posting about. Unless you're a Republican politician advocating for laws that will make IVF more accessible and pervasive, the post wasn't about you.

People embracing the culture is a tale as old as time. I don't spend time wondering why people leave the Church. I already know.
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