In a speech on Monday, Pope Francis expressed his strong opposition to the practice of surrogacy, describing it as “deplorable” and a violation of the dignity of women and children. He urged the international community to take action and prohibit this practice worldwide.
The Catholic Church has long been against surrogacy and in vitro fertilization, arguing that they dehumanize the conception process and result in the disposal of embryos, akin to abortion. Surrogacy is currently illegal in Italy and other countries, while in the United Kingdom, it is legal but heavily regulated, with commercial surrogacy banned. The laws surrounding surrogacy also vary across different states in the United States.
While surrogacy has provided a pathway to parenthood for individuals and same-sex couples facing infertility, ethical concerns have persisted regarding potential exploitation.
Pope Francis has faced opposition from more traditionalist factions of the Church due to his progressive stance on contemporary issues, such as granting communion to divorced and remarried Catholics, welcoming LGBTQ+ individuals, and prioritizing matters concerning migrants and the climate crisis.
Recently, the pope made a significant shift in the Church’s approach to LGBTQ+ people by permitting Roman Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples. However, he continues to take a firm stance against abortion and surrogacy, condemning them as practices that treat children as commodities and exploit vulnerable women, particularly those who are economically disadvantaged.
During his address, Pope Francis also expressed his concern about the prevalent “culture of death” in the West, which he believes disregards the value of children, the elderly, and the sick.
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