The Vatican approach Therefore modern medical techniques used in assisted reproduction like: IVF, ET, surrogate mothers and embryo cryopreservation are not accepted by the Catholic Church..
The Catholic Church believes that IVF is never acceptable because it removes conception from the marital act and because it treats a baby as a product to be manipulated, violating the child's integrity as a human being with an immortal soul from the moment of conception (Donum Vitae 1987).
Unfortunately, most Catholics are not aware of the Church's teaching, do not know that IVF is immoral, and some have used it in attempting to have children. If a couple is unaware that the procedure is immoral, they are not subjectively guilty of sin.
Gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) uses multiple eggs collected from the ovaries. The eggs are placed into a thin flexible tube (catheter) along with the sperm to be used. The gametes (both eggs and sperm) are then injected into the fallopian tubes using a surgical procedure called laparoscopy.
The ultimate advantage of IVF is achieving a successful pregnancy and a healthy baby. IVF can make this a reality for people who would be unable to have a baby otherwise: Blocked tubes: For women with blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, IVF provides the best opportunity of having a child using their own eggs.
Conceiving with IVF does carry an increased risk of pregnancy complications. In particular, there is an increased risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, hypertension, maternal gestational diabetes, and placental complications⁷.
The chief moral argument against the fertilization of a human egg in a laboratory dish was that the parents' desire for a child did not entitle them to have it by a possibly unsafe method that might result in a deformed infant. In the United States that argument delayed the further development of IVF.
In vitro fertilization
A modification of IVF, called gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT), can be used if the infertile woman has functional fallopian tubes. With this technique, both oocytes and sperm are placed into the tube through a catheter at the time of laparoscopy.
With GIFT, fertilization actually takes place in the body rather than in a petri dish. However, in vitro fertilization techniques have become more refined. And since GIFT and ZIFT both require a surgical procedure that IVF does not, IVF is almost always the preferred choice in clinics.
In Australia, some of the costs of IVF services are covered by Medicare, as well as certain Private Health Insurance policies. However, there can also be significant out-of-pocket costs, so it's essential to understand what you're covered for if you're considering IVF treatment.
All Churches are against the use of genetics to enhance (try to improve on) humans. However, they do accept that some forms of gene therapy may be appropriate to treat people who are ill. The Catholic Church released a document in 2008 called 'Dignitas Personae'.
A single IVF cycle—defined as ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval and embryo transfer—can range from $15,000 to $30,000, depending on the center and the patient's individual medication needs.
IVF is generally very safe and most who have it experience no problems with their health or pregnancy. However, there are some risks to be aware of, which include: ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome(a severe reaction to fertility drugs)
Therefore, often results in emotional and financial loss. Children born through methods like IVF are more prone to complications like mental retardation, chronic lung problems, cerebral palsy and learning disabilities. Another social issue is the concern of age.
The key difference between IUI and IVF is that in IUI, fertilization takes place internally. That is, the sperm is injected directly into the woman's uterus. So, if fertilization is successful, the embryo implants there as well. With IVF, fertilization takes place externally, or outside of the uterus, in a lab.
Don't say:
“I'm so excited for you.” When someone is about to start a transfer or an IVF procedure. "I know it will happen for you; I just know it." "You can have one of mine (kids) if it doesn't work." "If you just relax & stop thinking about it, then it will happen."
According to the Idaho Fertility Center, “IVF is often more successful as it bypasses certain barriers that may inhibit fertilization. Having the ability to control ovulation and monitor the effectiveness of medications also adds to success when trying to conceive.
This all has to do with wishing people luck that the embryo will “stick” to the uterus. So, grab a bowl of pineapples, put on your green socks (or yellow or orange!) and turtle necklace and have a successful embryo transfer.
Can I have sex during an IVF cycle? Yes! It is completely safe to have sex during ovarian stimulation. However, there may come a time during your IVF cycle that it simply becomes uncomfortable to have sex.
Zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT) is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) first used in 1986 to help those who are infertile conceive a child. ZIFT is a hybrid technique derived from a combination of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) procedures.
IVF and Christianity
According to traditional Christian views, beginning at conception, the embryo has moral status as a human being, and thus most assisted reproductive technologies are forbidden.
The failure to implant embryos into the uterus lining is one of the major reasons for failure of IVF. The doctors are yet to find out the exact reasons for the unsuccessful attempt. The misfiring of the attempt can happen due to two reasons; either due to the problem of the embryo or because of the uterus.