As a Catholic nurse, I am deeply committed to upholding the teachings of the Catholic Church, particularly in matters concerning human dignity and life. One such area is in vitro fertilization (IVF), a practice the Church condemns for several profound reasons.
First and foremost, IVF separates procreation from the conjugal act, thereby undermining the sanctity and purpose of sexual relations. The Catholic Church teaches that the conjugal act is inherently ordered toward both the unitive and procreative aspects of marriage (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1997, para. 2377). IVF disrupts this natural order, reducing the sacred act of marital intimacy to mere biological mechanics devoid of the spiritual and emotional unity intended by God.
Moreover, the practice of storing human embryos in freezers poses a grave affront to human dignity. Each embryo represents a unique human life created in God's image, deserving of respect and protection from conception to natural death (CCC, 1997, para. 2270). The act of freezing embryos treats them as mere commodities, a violation of their inherent worth and dignity.
Lastly, IVF frequently involves the discarding of "leftover" embryos, which the Church views as a form of direct murder. Every embryo, regardless of its developmental stage, is a human being with an inviolable right to life (John Paul II, 1995, para. 57). Discarding embryos is not only morally indefensible but also a profound violation of the commandment "Thou shall not kill" (Exodus 20:13).
As a Catholic nurse, my ethical stance must align with my faith. Supporting IVF contradicts these fundamental teachings. I am called to advocate for life in all its forms and to protect the sanctity of human existence as sacred gifts from God.
References:
Catechism of the Catholic Church. (1997). Libreria Editrice Vaticana.
John Paul II. (1995). Evangelium Vitae. Libreria Editrice Vaticana.
The Holy Bible, Exodus 20:13.
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