ARTIFICIAL REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY AND THE TEACHINGS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH ON MARRIAGE: AN EVALUATION

Abstract

This study was an evaluation of Artificial Reproductive Technology and the Catholic Church’s Teaching on Marriage. Marriage, procreation and child upbringing have a special place in Catholic theology. Upon marriage the couples are naturally expected to procreate and ensure the responsible growth and development of their children. However, in some cases the couples remain childless against their wish. As a solution to the problem of childlessness, Artificial Reproductive Technology (ATR) was evolved. This has however come with mixed feelings as it is ethically against the Church’s teaching on marriage and procreation, hence the need for its evaluation. For methodology, this study relied on primary and secondary sources. The descriptive and evaluative methods of data analysis were also adopted. The study found out that Artificial Reproductive Technology has given joy to many families. However, while Artificial Reproductive Technology (ART) seems to have given hope to many couples suffering from infertility, it was also discovered to have had implications on the Church’s teaching on marriage and procreation, albeit, the Catholic Church’s position on Artificial Reproductive Technology has various criticisms. For instance, the church has not found adequate solution to the plight of childless couples in the face of contemporary realities. This study is significant to Catholic Christian couples who are childless, as it will appropriately guide them in their choices. The study recommended that couples should seek out more ethical and religious ways of dealing with infertility rather than resort to unethical reproductive technologies. The study concluded that spouses should reconsider their quest for procreation as the sole aim of marriage. Instead, in the face of infertility, they should harness the other benefits of marriage which the church equally consider as sacred.