[rastachris]

Hi! It's my first time posting to this group. We are Catholic and parents to two children through adoption. We are looking into embryo adoption which is quite controversial among Catholics. The church has not made a statement for or against this issue as of yet. Responses from theologians and the Catholic lay range for gung-ho for it to die-hard against. The pro-embryo adoption group say it's an act of mercy for unborn babies condemned to frozen purgatory (or worse - stem cell research), and the opposition say that it injures the marriage relationship and condones IVF.

I've found several compelling articles on both sides in case anyone's interested.

I'm interested in your feelings about this topic.

Thanks!

[Sienna3]

Actually, our Pope, when he was a Cardinal and authored the INSTRUCTION ON RESPECT FOR HUMAN LIFE IN ITS ORIGIN AND ON THE DIGNITY OF PROCREATION REPLIES TO CERTAIN QUESTIONS OF THE DAY for the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith did address embryo transfer as not being morally licit. Documents from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith ARE the Church's position on these subjects.I am sure some theologians disagree, but you should check this out at
http://vatican.mondosearch.com/cgi-b...IVF&hiword=IVF

[rastachris]

Thanks for the link, Sienna3. I'm trying to consider all points, for and against embryo adoption. Although I think that the majority of what was written in the link you provided had to do with IVF. The fact that IVF was done in order to procure these unused embryos doesn't change the fact that human beings were created. I'm having a hard time looking past the point the these embryos are still potential human beings that may otherwise perish in frozen purgatory or be donated to science.

The following is an exerpt from the article for which I've provided the link below. According to the author of the article, Dominum Vitae states, "Although the manner in which human conception is achieved with IVF and ET cannot be approved, every child which comes into the world must in any case be accepted as a living gift of the divine Goodness and must be brought up with love" (II, B, 4, b). "

With so many strong voices and compelling arguments on either side of this issue, it's not too hard to find support for how we each personally feel about it.

http://www.catholic.net/RCC/Periodic...09-96/1/1.html

Thanks again.

[6boysrus]

I agree that this is not morally licit. For the mere fact that the Womans body is being used as a source of growth for the adopted child. Which difffers from a child being adopted- already born.

Since there is not definative answer as of yet fro the CDF or PAFL. I would write to both (cc'ing both) and ask for clarification and outline the procedure as clearly as possible.

It ususally does NOT take them very long to respond and the PAFL is looking at the issue because it does hae level of cooperation in regards to abortion/IVF.

Even if you adopt and embryo and have it implanted there is a risk that the embyo would not survive. the CDF also forbids surrogacy.

Its quite a sensitive issue , one I would strongly suggest that you get a spiritual advisor and discern this matter properly though the correct channels to see where God is guiding you.

You cant make a personal decision regarding this, you must wieigh all the criteria and not just from theologans who say yes and no. This is something that one must get spiritual direction in from a priest who can help discern what God is calling you to.

Pax,
Yvonne

[6boysrus]

One more thing.. you may want to look further into The National Catholic Bioethics Center. Fr Tad Pacholcyzk who is the leading bioethicist in the US gives grave reasons for the embryo adoption.transfer.

He feels that the CDF will rule against it for many reasons, I think he is right.

You can contact him at the NCBC --

http://www.ncbcenter.org/home.html

The REV. T A D E U S Z P A C H O L C Z Y K
Neuroscientist
DIRECTOR of EDUCATION,STAFF ETHICIST
tad.grd.nsc@aya.yale.edu
215-877-2660 x210

I know Father Tad will help you to discern, he is a good holy priest and have met him at various conferences throughout the years.

Yvonne