Q: What is the church's position on IVF? We have been married for nearly two years and have found out that we are unable to have children naturally.

It is a very difficult situation that you and your husband are facing, and it must be causing you great sadness.

The Catholic Church's teaching on reproductive technologies is outlined in a paper from the Life Office of the Archdiocese of Sydney (available here...)

To quote from the introduction: “No matter how a human being comes into existence, he or she is always a person to be loved. We should always try, however, to act in ways which respect human dignity from the very first moment of a human being’s existence. Some forms of reproductive technology fail to show adequate respect for the value of human life and the meaning of procreation.”

There might be a glimmer of hope for you as there are some ethically acceptable forms of reproductive technology (treatment of underlying causes of infertility; low tubal ovum transfer; and possibly GIFT).

Please be assured of our prayers for you as you discern this important decision.