Catholics for Choice and IVF
On February 16, 2024, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos were considered “children” under the state constitution. In his concurring opinion, Chief Justice Tom Parker cited the Bible and warned against “the wrath of a holy God.” This is a perilous example of Christian Nationalism overreaching into civil law. But as we know with IVF and all matters of reproductive rights, the biggest threat is not just posed by Evangelicals.
Activist judges like Justice Parker have been deeply influenced by the Catholic theological idea that “life begins at conception.” But the beliefs of one particular religious group should not determine what kind of medical care is available in the United States — a country where we are guaranteed the constitutional right to the separation of church and state.
At Catholics for Choice, we affirm all individuals’ abilities to make conscience-based decisions about their bodies, lives, and futures. Conscience is a core tenet of our faith, and if someone’s conscience leads them to pursue parenthood through IVF, we support them in that journey.
We were honored to speak with NPR and the Congressional Freethought Caucus about IVF. Read more about both opportunities below.
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Real Catholics are relying on IVF to grow their families every day. Two Catholic couples — one who used IVF more than 20 years ago and one who is currently pregnant with their first child, conceived through IVF— were able to share their views with NPR’s Jason DeRose.
Click here to read their moving stories and hear more about our opposition to the church’s stance on IVF.
NPR: Despite church prohibitions, Catholics still choose IVF to have children
It’s spiritual violence for the church to tell women that their main goal in life is to raise children and then shame and stigmatize them for seeking fertility treatments.
Thank you to all the former and practicing Catholics who have shared their stories regarding IVF. Speaking your truth is powerful and encourages others to do the same.
If you are a Catholic (or former Catholic) who has used IVF, please consider sharing your story.
