Quote from Alex bobby on January 10, 2024, 4:22 AM

Pope Francis Labels Surrogacy as 'Despicable,' Calls for Global Ban

In a groundbreaking statement, Pope Francis has declared surrogacy as 'despicable' and has fervently called for a global ban on the controversial practice. The pontiff, known for his strong stance on ethical issues, made the remarks during a recent address, igniting a renewed debate on the moral implications of surrogacy worldwide.

The Pope emphasized the sanctity of human life and the family structure, expressing concerns about the potential exploitation of women and the commodification of children through surrogacy arrangements. He argued that surrogacy undermines the inherent dignity of both the surrogate mothers and the children born from such arrangements.

While acknowledging the challenges faced by couples struggling with infertility, Pope Francis asserted that alternative reproductive technologies, including surrogacy, are not the solution. Instead, he urged society to address the root causes of infertility and to promote ethical alternatives that respect the dignity of all involved parties.

The Catholic Church has a long history of opposing artificial reproductive technologies that deviate from natural conception, viewing them as threats to the traditional family structure and the moral fabric of society. The Pope's call for a global ban on surrogacy aligns with the Church's broader stance on issues related to life, marriage, and family.

Critics argue that the Pope's position may be perceived as conservative and out of touch with the evolving landscape of reproductive technologies. They contend that surrogacy can be a viable option for couples facing infertility issues, providing them with the opportunity to experience the joys of parenthood.

However, proponents of the Pope's stance applaud his unwavering commitment to upholding the sanctity of life and the family. They argue that surrogacy raises complex ethical questions, including concerns about the potential exploitation of economically vulnerable women who may be driven to become surrogates out of financial necessity.

The Pope's call for a global ban on surrogacy is likely to spark further discussions within religious communities, governmental bodies, and international organizations. It adds fuel to the ongoing dialogue surrounding the ethical boundaries of assisted reproductive technologies and challenges societies to find compassionate solutions that prioritize human dignity.

As the world grapples with the implications of the Pope's strong condemnation of surrogacy, the debate over reproductive rights, family values, and the sanctity of life continues to evolve. Only time will tell whether the international community will heed the Pope's call for a global ban or if alternative perspectives will shape the future of surrogacy on a global scale.

Condemning the 'commercialisation' of pregnancy, he said the life of an unborn child must not be 'suppressed or turned into an object of trafficking

In a speech yesterday in which he listed threats to global peace and human dignity, he called for the international community “to prohibit this practice universally.

He has previously voiced opposition to what he called a “uterus for rent”, and some European countries prohibit the practice, including Spain and Italy.

At the same time, the Vatican’s doctrine office has made clear that same-sex couples who build families through surrogacy can have their children baptised.

The comments came in the pontiff’s annual State of the World address to members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See at the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City.

In it, he lamented that 2024 has dawned in an era in which peace is “increasingly threatened, weakened and in some part lost”.

He cited Russia’s war in Ukraine, Israel-Hamas conflict, migration and the climate crisis among a long list of the ills afflicting humanity and the increasing violation of international humanitarian law that allows them.

He singled out Russia by name as he noted that “large-scale war waged by the Russian Federation against Ukraine” had ground on.

This marked an unusual break from the Pope’s usual tendency to spare Moscow direct and public blame for the invasion when expressing solidarity with the Ukrainian people.