I worked part-time for a few months at a Catholic Charities office many years ago, and I noticed it was almost entirely distributing government funding according to government rules. I quipped, in the style of the "Saturday Night Live" character Linda Richman, "Catholic Charities is neither a charity nor Catholic."
And it's always good to hear you speak out against the commodification of children. Being against the commodification of children shouldn't put us on the moral defensive; we have a genuinely humane view of people.
I appreciated this episode so much! Especially the bit about what “credibly accused” means. I was completely scandalized when the priest (IMO, saintly) who baptized me showed up on an online list as “credibly accused.” His name was added somewhat recently but he died 30 years ago. I was assuming “credibly accused “ meant “proven”. I’m rather relieved it does not, but also disgusted they post lists and sully good names without any recourse to prove guilt.
Would be grateful for any insight you and Phil might be able to provide on embryo adoption, especially in view of the “surplus” embryos being produced en mass?
My own evolving understanding is that it’s a gray zone in Catholic teaching, albeit learning towards not permissible as the person is not formed via the natural sexual act.
I ask only because I know two devout infertile couples (the relevant gentlemen are both sterile). One couple has successfully started a family through embryo adoption; the other couple is discerning whether this is the moral path for them.
I am unsure what to say to the second couple still discerning as they are close family and discussing options with family members.
Any moral insights and Lawler wisdom much appreciated!
Yes, I think it's accurate to say that this is something of a gray area in terms of magisterial teaching. Although I can easily understand--and admire-- the couples who see this route as a way to save babies as well as to start their own families, I worry about encouraging the practice. Also I strongly believe that every child should be confident that his birth was the result of a loving conjugal act: an assumption that can be safely made in the case of ordinary adoption. Still I realize that this is easy for me to say, having been blessed with a large family. I'd want to be very gentle in explaining my misgivings to any friends who are considering the option. Above all I wouldn't want to convey any suggestion that a baby born in that way would be unwelcome. It's a delicate matter, as in other cases when you have to consider that your friend might not accept your advice, and you don't want to make that a source of discord. Say a prayer for guidance, speak your peace with prudence, and trust the Holy Spirit to work out the details.
(I am not confident the fertility clinics would give true informed consent to your family member about the physical risks of embryo adoption so wanted to give you a heads up!)
I appreciate your comments about fertility options. I know for some there is the cross of infertility and it can't be fixed, but in my experience traditional doctors do nothing to help women struggling with infertility. A dear friend who has never been able to have children and is a nurse provided me with invaluable information, and all came from lab tests I was able to order on my own, diet and readily available supplements. It's heart breaking that those entrusted with caring for our bodies jump to IVF instead of helping mothers become healthy and provide support for pregnancy. It always made me wonder why OB's were so against my having more children when I've never even asked them to babysit! 🤣 It really makes no sense.
Yes, this is a whole other topic! SO important! There are actually some very simple remedies sometimes. Also where is the advice to stay far away from birth control? Women are treating their bodies as if they are machines with on-off switches, and then ending up in a grievous state.
The GP is trained to hand off EVERY issue to a specialist. The "fertility clinic" is just a handoff. It happens automatically. And then you're in it and can't easily get out. Sad.
I worked part-time for a few months at a Catholic Charities office many years ago, and I noticed it was almost entirely distributing government funding according to government rules. I quipped, in the style of the "Saturday Night Live" character Linda Richman, "Catholic Charities is neither a charity nor Catholic."
And it's always good to hear you speak out against the commodification of children. Being against the commodification of children shouldn't put us on the moral defensive; we have a genuinely humane view of people.
I appreciated this episode so much! Especially the bit about what “credibly accused” means. I was completely scandalized when the priest (IMO, saintly) who baptized me showed up on an online list as “credibly accused.” His name was added somewhat recently but he died 30 years ago. I was assuming “credibly accused “ meant “proven”. I’m rather relieved it does not, but also disgusted they post lists and sully good names without any recourse to prove guilt.
Great episode!
Would be grateful for any insight you and Phil might be able to provide on embryo adoption, especially in view of the “surplus” embryos being produced en mass?
My own evolving understanding is that it’s a gray zone in Catholic teaching, albeit learning towards not permissible as the person is not formed via the natural sexual act.
I ask only because I know two devout infertile couples (the relevant gentlemen are both sterile). One couple has successfully started a family through embryo adoption; the other couple is discerning whether this is the moral path for them.
I am unsure what to say to the second couple still discerning as they are close family and discussing options with family members.
Any moral insights and Lawler wisdom much appreciated!
Yes, I think it's accurate to say that this is something of a gray area in terms of magisterial teaching. Although I can easily understand--and admire-- the couples who see this route as a way to save babies as well as to start their own families, I worry about encouraging the practice. Also I strongly believe that every child should be confident that his birth was the result of a loving conjugal act: an assumption that can be safely made in the case of ordinary adoption. Still I realize that this is easy for me to say, having been blessed with a large family. I'd want to be very gentle in explaining my misgivings to any friends who are considering the option. Above all I wouldn't want to convey any suggestion that a baby born in that way would be unwelcome. It's a delicate matter, as in other cases when you have to consider that your friend might not accept your advice, and you don't want to make that a source of discord. Say a prayer for guidance, speak your peace with prudence, and trust the Holy Spirit to work out the details.
There are greater physical health risks to the mother carrying a child that is not genetically hers, such as amnio-embolisms, preeclampsia, etc.
Jennifer Lahl at The Center for Bioethics & Culture has some good research on this: https://cbc-network.org/issues/making-life/making-life-2/.
(I am not confident the fertility clinics would give true informed consent to your family member about the physical risks of embryo adoption so wanted to give you a heads up!)
Thank you :)
I appreciate your comments about fertility options. I know for some there is the cross of infertility and it can't be fixed, but in my experience traditional doctors do nothing to help women struggling with infertility. A dear friend who has never been able to have children and is a nurse provided me with invaluable information, and all came from lab tests I was able to order on my own, diet and readily available supplements. It's heart breaking that those entrusted with caring for our bodies jump to IVF instead of helping mothers become healthy and provide support for pregnancy. It always made me wonder why OB's were so against my having more children when I've never even asked them to babysit! 🤣 It really makes no sense.
Yes, this is a whole other topic! SO important! There are actually some very simple remedies sometimes. Also where is the advice to stay far away from birth control? Women are treating their bodies as if they are machines with on-off switches, and then ending up in a grievous state.
The GP is trained to hand off EVERY issue to a specialist. The "fertility clinic" is just a handoff. It happens automatically. And then you're in it and can't easily get out. Sad.