Pro Life

The Catholic Church believes in the sanctity of human life from the moment of conception till the moment of natural death.

Life is a free gift given by God. We are made in His image and likeness and therefore every human being has the right to life. God alone is the Lord of life from its beginning until its end and so no one can under any circumstances claim the right to directly destroy an innocent human being.  (Donum vitae 5)

Therefore as Catholics we oppose the legalization of direct threats to innocent life, including abortion, euthanasia, the death penalty, and unjust war. We also work for a culture that promotes the dignity of life. 

Abortion:

Abortion is the direct and purposeful taking of the life of the unborn child at any stage of gestation. The Church has always condemned abortion as being morally wrong.

Please read the very helpful document:  25 Frequently Asked Questions About Abortion. 

Life is a UK pregnancy support charity. Through their services they help tens of thousands of people each year to meet pregnancy or pregnancy loss with courage and dignity so they can flourish. Their services include a freephone pregnancy and pregnancy loss listening service, housing, practical support, and education. To get help or to get involved, go to www.lifecharity.org.uk

Please contact our Marriage and Family Life Coordinator, Antonia Braithwaite, if you would like to discuss these issues mflcoordinator@rcdea.org.uk

IVF: In Vitro Fertilisation:

It can sometimes be difficult for people to understand why the Catholic Church does not support the use of IVF, when the Church is so against abortion and so deeply pro-life. How can the Church be so keen on people having children, and then tell them that they can’t use IVF?

Discussing IVF in any kind of forum—public or private—is never easy. These are not just abstract ideas; they involve real parents and real children with real pain and real love.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church says the following about the pain of infertility:

2374  Couples who discover that they are sterile suffer greatly.
“What will you give me,” asks Abraham of God, “for I continue childless?”
And Rachel cries to her husband Jacob, “Give me children, or I shall die!”

The Church understands the anguish and heartbreak that results from infertility; from desiring babies, but no babies come. But despite that, the Church remains firm in her teaching that IVF is not a moral choice.

If you or someone you love has gone through IVF, please know that the Church’s teachings aren’t meant to hurt anyone. They’re meant to help. They’re meant to be a mercy. Even though in our suffering that mercy can sometimes feel hard.

Please click here to read a reflection and question-and-answer document about IVF from a Catholic author and speaker who has suffered through years of infertility herself.

If you are suffering with infertility please contact Fiat Fertility Care, a Catholic UK-based organisation, for a free initial telephone consultation: https://www.fiatfertilitycare.co.uk/