Does Religion Impact Your Approach to Infertility?
You may have read in the news about the Vatican’s recent bioethics document, “Dignitas Personae” or “The Dignity of a Person”, which speaks out against IVF and embryo freezing, among other topics.
According to this New York Times article, fertility treatments like IVF and embryo freezing go against the Catholic Church’s belief that every life, even at the embryonic stage, is sacred. Also, according to the article, the Catholic Church believes that babies should only be conceived by natural intercourse – and not via lab techniques.
The article also mentioned that many Catholics are unaware of the church’s ban against IVF. Which got me thinking – how many people consider their religious beliefs before deciding what fertility treatments they’ll use or not? What role does religion play in a couple’s approach to infertility?
I know some find comfort in religion or spirituality when it comes to coping with the pain of infertility. But there is a difference between finding comfort, and taking direction on which treatments to try.
Personally, my religion does play a strong role in which treatments I will try, and how I will use them -- but that has never diminished my options. I might have felt differently if they did.
On the other hand, I’m not the type that finds comfort for my infertility in religion. One only needs to look at Rachel and Sara from the Bible for examples of women who couldn’t get pregnant, and didn’t seem to take comfort in the idea that it was God’s will. In my reading of these stories, they seemed quite angry about their situation.
What are your thoughts? Do you look to your religion for direction on what treatments you’ll try or not? Do you seek comfort in religion when it comes to coping with infertility? If you’re Catholic, how do you feel about the Vatican’s ban on IVF?
Take the poll above, and share your thoughts in the comments below.
Comments
Both me and my husband our catholic. I have a stronger faith then him because my family is very religious whereas his wasn’t. We do try to go to church every week and follow God’s teachings, however I do not believe the Catholic teachings on infertility. My husband has had a few semen analysis done and we may be headed down the IUI or IVF path. We have gave God plenty of time to let us have a child the natural way. I believe God is helping us by letting us be around today where there are more options for couples struggling to conceive. Unless you have been through the ups and downs of trying to have your own baby you can’t comment on how it feels, and it isn’t right for the church to deny us something many people take for granted. Many catholic infertility sites say well just adopt. I want our own child, not to raise someone else’s child.
Hi!
Thank you for your comment. I’m happy to hear from someone who identifies with the Catholic religion share their view.
I can completely understand your view point. And as you say, telling someone to just adopt… it just isn’t so simple. For some, it’s a great way to build a family, but not everyone wants that. Most people, I would say, really want to raise their biological child, or “their own” child, as you said.