Comments on: Thursday, 31st December 2020 – a “new” beginning…

By: Alyssa

Alyssa — Sat, 28 Aug 2021 22:21:27 +0000

What many well-meaning people do not realize is that artificial reproductive technologies generally involve fertilization of multiple eggs–and hence the production of multiple embryos–and hence ultimately the death of the ‘excess’ ones (except in the rare case of embryo ‘adoption’). Sometimes the excess ones die before implantation in the womb, sometimes they are discarded or used for research (i.e., they are experimented upon…and then die), sometimes they are frozen until they effectively die of freezer burn, sometimes after growing in the womb for some time they are ‘reduced’ (aborted) because of their sex, a perceived handicap, or a medical condition.

In other words, for every child born as a result of these technologies, many others have died.

Even if a technique were developed that did not involve abortion in this way, artificial reproductive technologies still mean the child does not arise out of the union of his or her parents themselves, but is produced through an impersonal process.

For both reasons, the Catholic Church has made unambiguously clear their immorality, because she affirms the dignity and value of every human being. Human beings are not disposable. Human beings are not ‘the ultimate bespoke accessory.’

Precisely because of her commitment, at the same time the Church affirms the dignity and value of every child who has come into existence, no matter how–whether through the marital embrace as God intends, or through IVF, rape, incest, or any other way. A child born in imperfect or immoral circumstances is a beautiful and clear sign that God can bring good out of evil…though we must remember that is no excuse for us to choose to bring about such circumstances.

By: Fire21

Fire21 — Thu, 31 Dec 2020 22:35:35 +0000

What an amazing prayer you offered to end this, or any, year! Truly sincerely written. Study hard in your new learning experiences. Thank you and Happy New Year.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 31 Dec 2020 22:01:14 +0000

Happy New Year Analise! You are a delight.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 31 Dec 2020 21:38:30 +0000

I appreciate the honesty of your reflections and wish you a blessed New Year!

By: John J Ciribassi

John J Ciribassi — Thu, 31 Dec 2020 19:22:09 +0000

Hi Analise. Thank you again for sharing with us the directions your life is taking and all the service you give to your patients. I want to just make you and the readers aware of the Church’s teachings on technology used to overcome infertility. The article that I am posting a link to below does a very good job, I think, of summarizing the Church’s teachings and explaining the reasoning behind these teachings. In summary, the article states, any procedure that replaces the marriage act is immoral while those that aid it, is moral. Also, to be clear, children of procedures that the church considers immoral or no less human and no less deserving of love.
Have a great rest of the Christmas season and a wonderful New Year to you and to our other writers and the wonderful readers of ACM. Also to Tom and Bill for all their work in keeping this blog going.

https://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/reproductive-technology/begotten-not-made-a-catholic-view-of-reproductive-technology

By: Skip

Skip — Thu, 31 Dec 2020 15:50:33 +0000

Dear Doc, very heart felt reflection, thank you. Very nice prayer too.
God bless you, and all the writers and readers here at ACM

By: Sean

Sean — Thu, 31 Dec 2020 15:04:38 +0000

Your writing allows your thoughtfulness and caring to show through. May God continue to bless you for that.
I am not medically trained and I strongly believe all life comes from God. We humans and all our attempts to enhance to “create” life are pointless if God does not grant life.
I enjoy the openness of your writings. May God continue to bless you and never give you cause to close your heart to those you are trying to reach; through written word or in any other way. God bless and Happy New Year.

By: Helen

Helen — Thu, 31 Dec 2020 15:03:42 +0000

Your resolutions for the New Year are admirable Analise.Wishing you and all the writers on this site a Happy and Blessed 2021.