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Having just completed, with my wife, a second cycle of IVF, I would challenge anyone to find a more grueling elective medical procedure. A former Catholic (now Episcopalian) friend of mine tried to explain that Rome's position is based on the fact that, in the Vatican's opinion, children conceived in vitro are not conceived "in love."
What could be more loving that having to endure shots, constant bloodwork, constant sonograms, and the mood swings that come with the hormone cocktail IVF entails? I would argue that couples willing to spend the money and endure the trials of assisted reproduction at least have no doubts that they are ready to be parents.
I am not Catholic, but if I were, I might well leave the Church over this issue. It is yet another sad example of the Pope throwing up unnecessary stumbling blocks to the faith of millions of people.
