Summary -- Our faith is about love. When we embrace Christ's love for us we naturally want to love others as a sign of our faith. This love knows no boundaries; we love all people of all ages, including the unborn. Because of our love we must oppose in-vitro fertilization. Here is why.
While in-vitro, as it is commonly used, can result in the creation of life it also destroys life in the process. In-vitro involves surgically removing from a woman several or many eggs, fertilizing them in a lab, selecting the "stronger" fertilized eggs and implanting them back in the woman. The remaining fertilized eggs (those deemed "weaker") are either frozen or destroyed.
Determining which fertilized eggs are "stronger" is not an exact science. And even if it were, we as Catholics cannot justify freezing or ending a life only because it appears to be weaker. Our faith teaches us to "love one another" (John 13:34), to respect all life, including the unborn. And after all, it is often the so-called "weaker" members of society who keep us compassionate.
Additionally, the procedure interferes with what God wants to be a sacred intimate act between a wife and a husband. In-vitro introduces a "third party" -- the laboratory -- into the act of pro-creating, thus, removing the intimacy between a couple. In this way, the coming-to-be of a person is treated like a manufacturing process, which is beneath our human dignity. We believe God wants the life of a child to begin with the beautiful and unique way in which a husband and wife give their lives to each other. As Catholics, we struggle with any procedure that takes human creation outside of this mutual giving of spouses.
So, you might ask, what does the Church support? On the list of many options are two highly successful methods -- Natural Family Planning and NaPro Technology (Natural Procreative Technology). Documented research shows that NaPro results in a pregnancy success rate one-and-a-half to three times higher than in-vitro. Couples experiencing infertility also are encouraged to consider foster parenting or adoption, both of which are unique and rewarding calls to parenting that benefit children in need.
The best way to determine which option is right for you is to begin with prayer. Asking God for guidance in creating a family is sure to provide the right answer.

© 2006 St. Therese of the Little Flower Inc.
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