The individual was referring to the other human embryos created during her parents’ IVF process. By definition, IVF refers to removing eggs from a woman’s ovary and fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory to form human embryos. We know that no human being is a mistake, that each one of us is beloved by our Heavenly Father. A child born as a result of IVF is not a lesser being, but is greatly and passionately loved by the Lord. We can honor and respect the child who results from IVF, while also recognizing the inherent evil associated with playing God by creating human beings in a laboratory. Not the answer Infertility is a heartbreaking experience for couples throughout the U.S. We need to show the utmost compassion to those for whom childbearing is medically impossible, while promoting a beautiful alternative: adoption. IVF is not the answer to the plight of couples yearning for a child. Consider another post from Reddit. The headline reads, “Created embryos and now regret it, what should I do?” The individual went on to write: “(My wife and I) managed to create some embryos, which are now frozen. “I’ve had a crisis of conscience and now regret it. I should never have helped make them. I don’t want to use them. I think it’s unnatural and against God. We shouldn’t have played God like this … “My wife would never consent to destroying or donating (the embryos). I love her and I don’t want to go through a civil divorce and a court battle over this …” Quandaries These are the types of quandaries which arise as a result of IVF. Multiple embryos are created that then may be discarded if the couple deems them to be imperfect. No matter what the imperfections might be, the destruction of human embryos is a tragic offense against innocent human life. The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains why IVF techniques are morally unacceptable: They disassociate the sexual act from the procreative act. The act which brings the child into existence is no longer an act by which two persons give themselves to one another, but one that “entrusts the life and identity of the embryo into the power of doctors and biologists and establishes the domination of technology over the origin and destiny of the human person.” Such a relationship of domination is in itself contrary to the dignity and equality that must be common to parents and children (2377). “IVF treats children as though they were commodities to be produced for adult needs,” adds Dr. John Haas of the National Catholic Bioethics Center (ncbcenter.org). “Some embryos, some tiny human beings, are almost always killed through this procedure. Doctors choose only the healthy embryos to place in the womb. The ‘leftover’ ones are either killed or are experimented upon. Some are frozen in liquid nitrogen for future implantation or experimentation. This is no way to treat human beings, even tiny embryonic ones.” There are an estimated 1 million human embryos in frozen storage in the U.S. alone. Theologians and ethicists are divided on what to do with these innocent lives in limbo. Some suggest embryo “adoption” by an infertile couple (the so-called “snowflake babies” born as a result), while others condemn the idea, saying it only legitimizes the IVF process. What does unite the two sides is the urgent need to shut down an immoral process akin to an assembly line. What can be done? Sadly, politicians from both major political parties have not only failed to condemn IVF — they have openly embraced it. In this context, what can we do as faithful citizens to combat this grave evil? To begin with, let us all pray for a greater respect for human life, especially for the most vulnerable. Certainly, no one is more vulnerable than an innocent human being at the embryonic stage of development. Next, engage with your public officials, both at the state and national level, to let them know about the inherent dangers of IVF. This engagement can include emails, phone calls, and personal meetings. Many legislators may be unaware of the troubling implications of this procedure. Finally, consider writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper. Thanks to the Internet, such letters can receive a worldwide audience. Through your letter, you just may educate someone who is totally unaware of the immoral aspects of IVF. As Catholics, we are the keepers of the flame of truth. Let us use it to teach others about the dangers of playing God in the laboratory. Maria Gallagher is the author of Mercy’s Power: Inspiration to Serve the Gospel of Life (B64-MPOW) and Glorious Encounters with Mary: A Guide to Living the Mysteries of the Rosary (B64-GLMY), both available on ShopMercy.org. ‘IVF treats children as though they were commodities to be produced for adult needs.’ Marian Helper • Winter 2024-25 • Marian.org 25
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