Abstract
The Catholic Church distinguishes between two categories of artificial reproductive techniques (ART): those which assist the normal functioning and finality of conjugal relations and are acceptable, and those which replace conjugal relations, which are not. Catholic clinicians, ethicists, theologians and pastors are called to explain the differences between these in order to help couples, often in difficult situations, to remain faithful to God’s plan for marriage, family, and the common good. Surprisingly few people, Catholics or otherwise, have ever heard that some ART procedures are immoral.
The Linacre Quarterly seeks submissions on the various aspects of the morality of ART. Relevant topics include – but are not limited to – the following: The history and science of ART, including the development of IVF into IVG The medical, legal, and moral issues surrounding ART, especially surrogacy and IVF The economic/business/industrial dimensions of ART Theology of the Body as source of explaining the immorality of IVF The continuing debate on morality of certain forms of ART Human trafficking and IVF/Surrogacy Human dignity and ART: child, donors, parents Pastoral care and ART Psychological issues in sperm/egg donation; unknown half siblings The moral status of gametes Church teaching on ART Personalism and ART Medical and pastoral approaches to infertility The pain of infertility and pastoral care Abortion as integral to/unavoidable in the IVF industry; frozen embryos Fertility-damaging contraceptive use and subsequent IVF The moral, medical, and legal aspects of ART, surrogacy, and/or “designer babies” The many ways IVF contributes to the destruction of the family and the common good Philosophical, theological, sociological, psychological objections to IVF Eugenics and IVF Pastoral care and healing for those who have participated in IVF (clinicians and parents).
Deadline for submissions is May 15, 2022. Submissions must be made electronically through The Linacre Quarterly /Sage access.