Polish bishops blast in vitro fertilization
October 19, 2010
The Catholic bishops have denounced the use of in vitro fertilization, condemning the procedure as “the younger sister of eugenics.”
Prime Minister Donal Tusk has promised to provide government subsidies for in vitro fertilization. The process is not illegal today in Poland, but prohibitively expensive for most couples. However the government’s efforts to gain approval for state funding have encountered opposition, especially from the Catholic Church.
“The birth of one child leads in each case to the death of many others,” the bishops wrote in a letter explaining their opposition. They noted that in vitro fertilization entails the collection of multiple embryos, only one of which brought to term.
Supporters of state support for in vitro fertilization argue that the procedure would be a means of addressing Poland’s low birth rate-- a highly questionable argument, in light of the difficulty and expense of the procedure, and the ease with which most healthy young couples can produce offspring if they are willing.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
- Polish bishops slam plans for liberal in vitro law (AP)
- Polish bishops wade into IVF debate (Reuters)
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
