Published Paper Details:

Reproductive technologies have advanced significantly, and the ethical questions they continuously raise are complex, often involving considerations of life, morality, and the role of the church in guiding faithful decisions. As a Catholic priest serving in healthcare within the Diocese of Umuahia since 2007, I have witnessed first-hand, the profound struggles of couples grappling with infertility challenges, often compounded by poverty, illiteracy, and the weight of unfulfilled dreams. This experience has presented a stark moral dilemma: the unwavering traditional teachings of the Church on fertility and science and in contrast to the tangible, daily suffering of those who long to build a family. It is within this very tension that I seek to open a dialogue by calling for thoughtful re-examination of the church's approach to reproductive technologies, including in-vitro fertilization (IVF), family planning, and surrogacy. In doing so, I wish to clarify that my intention is not to advocate indiscriminately for IVF as a universal solution. Rather, as a concerned priest who perceives "the smell of his sheep" I wish to offer a bridge between the Church's teachings and the personal struggles individuals face. Instead of categorically rejecting assisted reproductive technologies, in cases where nature's own mechanisms falter-whether due to infertility, genetic disorders, or other medical conditions-assisted reproductive science, when carefully and ethically applied, can indeed serve as a legitimate way of alleviating people's suffering. For example, just as an individual with a weakened leg relies on a walking stick for support, persons with limited mobility benefit from the assistance of wheelchairs, and those whose vision is impaired find clarity through eyeglasses, so too can couples facing infertility harness scientific advances to nurture the gift of life. These examples are not acts of defiance against the natural order or a challenge to divine providence; they are instead practical expressions of our commitment to enhancing the human condition. Of course, recognising the potential role of assisted reproductive technologies as a compassionate option in providing meaningful support for couples struggling to build a family cannot be understood as constituting a "battle with God"; rather, it is an acknowledgment that our Creator has endowed us with reason and innovation to tend to the vulnerabilities inherent in our nature. Thus, in leveraging these advancements, we honour the sanctity of life and extend compassion to those for whom traditional means have proven insufficient. So just as medicine has advanced to provide prosthetics, mobility aids, and corrective devices that enable individuals to lead fuller lives, so too should our approach to assisted reproductive technologies be seen as an extension of our duty to care for one another. When done in a way that respects life and God's plan for creation, and when the technologies are used ethically, assisted reproduction can be viewed as an extension of human cooperation with God's gift of life which fosters the sacred pursuit of happiness in every family. It can also affirm that science and faith can coexist in harmonious service to humanity. The challenge lies in ensuring that any technology used aligns with the values of love, respect for life, and the sanctity of the marriage bond. Before proceeding, it will be useful to provide a brief survey of Catholic doctrines on fertility and science which reveals a nuanced and thoughtful approach to the relationship between faith, ethics, and the advancements of modern science, especially in the realm of reproduction technologies. In his 2013 Apostolic Exhortation - Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis said that evangelisers should "smell like the sheep" a metaphor that means that evangelisers should get involved in people's lives and be willing to humble themselves. His message emphasises the importance of accompanying and supporting Christians face difficulties in life, highlighting the need for a compassionate and inclusive community.