All Illinois citizens will see an advisory question on the Nov. 5, 2024, election ballot, that could lead to health insurance coverage of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other reproductive technologies incompatible with Catholic teachings. Although the advisory question will have no impact on state law, answers to the question from across the state will allow Illinois lawmakers to evaluate public opinion when considering future legislation. This is one of three advisory questions on the current ballot.
This statewide advisory question reads: “(ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH) Should all medically appropriate assisted reproductive treatments, including, but not limited to, in vitro fertilization, be covered by any health insurance plan in Illinois that provides coverage for pregnancy benefits, without limitation on the number of treatments? Yes / No.”
Our faith and a well-formed conscience can help us answer the advisory question.
The Church opposes IVF because, however well intended, IVF makes less human the procreative union of man and woman. Further, this process generates large numbers of fertilized eggs that are human beings. These lives are then typically destined to be abandoned or destroyed. IVF can endanger the woman’s health and asks men to produce sperm in a humiliating and immoral way. IVF places stress on the well-being of families.
Our Catholic faith leads us to respond “no” to the advisory.
Isn’t the Church being uncharitable by teaching that infertile couples should not use IVF technology to have a baby?
Infertility is a heart-breaking cross to bear in marriage. One in five couples, 168 million worldwide, experience infertility. There can be multiple medical reasons for infertility. IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies, or ARTs, do not diagnose and treat the reason for infertility. The end goal of such technology is not restoring health to the couple. The end goal is birthing a baby in a way that can create disorder and harm. The process can be an emotional and financial rollercoaster that can lead to long-term consequences for marriage and children.
There is, however, morally acceptable medical technology that can diagnose and treat the cause of infertility. This restorative reproductive medicine can be the compassionate and effective answer for infertile couples.
NaProTechnology (NPT), for example, uses diagnostic and medical technologies combined with natural spousal intercourse, rather than laboratory procedures, to help couples conceive and birth a baby. NPT looks to solve the underlying causes of infertility without denigrating human life and bringing on moral dilemma.
The Church teaches that there is no “right to children” for married couples. Children, instead, are a gift from God. As members of the Body of Christ, the Catholic faithful must embrace couples who are infertile, helping them grieve and discern how best they can live out the procreative aspect of marriage given the limitations.
Further, the Body of Christ must embrace children born using IVF and other reproductive technologies. These children are loved by God and are fully worthy of the respect and dignity God gives to every human life.
“[T]oo many people experiencing infertility are placed on a costly track toward IVF that does not actually address their underlying conditions. Restorative reproductive medicine, on the other hand, involves a more comprehensive (and ethical) approach that can frequently heal patients,” our U.S. bishops have written.
Prayerfully consider voting “no” to the assisted reproductive health advisory question on the November ballot. Pray for all carrying the cross of infertility.
For more information, visit the LiFE Office’s website at http://www.rockforddiocese.org/life/life-dignity/ivf/
