Surrogacy is a controversial topic that has sparked a lot of debate within religious communities. While some religions are supportive of surrogacy, others are strongly against it. One such religion that is against surrogacy is Catholicism.
Pope Francis has been outspoken about his opposition to surrogacy, stating that it goes against the sanctity of life and the dignity of the human person. In a 2014 address to the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, the Pope expressed his concerns about the commodification of the human body through surrogacy.
The Catholic Church teaches that surrogacy is morally wrong because it separates the procreative and unitive purposes of marriage. According to Catholic teaching, marriage is meant to be a union between a man and a woman that is open to the possibility of creating new life. Surrogacy, on the other hand, involves using a third party to carry a child for a couple who is unable to conceive on their own.
Catholic leaders are not alone in their opposition to surrogacy. Other religious groups, such as the Southern Baptist Convention and the Orthodox Union, also have reservations about the practice. They believe that surrogacy can lead to exploitation of women and commodification of children, turning them into objects to be bought and sold.
Surrogacy is a complex ethical issue that raises many questions about the nature of family, the sanctity of life, and the rights of individuals. While some may see surrogacy as a way to help infertile couples fulfill their dream of having a child, others view it as a violation of the natural order and a form of exploitation.
Despite the controversy surrounding surrogacy, it continues to be a popular option for couples struggling with infertility. While some religious groups may oppose it, others may see it as a way to create families and bring joy to those who long for children of their own.