AFA to host a webinar on Catholics and IVF

On Monday, The American Fertility Association will host a webinar entitled Catholics and IVF: A Pastoral Approach, presented by Father Jon Pedigo. IVF, or In Vitro Fertilization, is a form of assisted reproductive technology (ART) often used by couples and individuals who are having difficulty conceiving a child naturally. During the IVF process, one or more embryos are implanted into a woman's uterus and the remaining, unused embryos are destroyed, frozen, or donated. The Catholic Church strongly opposes IVF, not only because of the disposition of the embryos, but also because they're created in a laboratory and not inside the human body between the husband and wife who will be the parents of the child.

"The American Fertility Association believes that educating people about their family building options is the most important function it can serve. The AFA strives to present all possible choices without bias, giving couples and individuals a complete picture of what is available. Infertility is one of the most intense experiences someone will ever deal with. Our goal with this webinar is not to challenge the teachings of the Catholic Church, but to encourage conversation and to equip Catholics with the knowledge they need to have a respectful conversation with their pastors about their lived experiences. We believe that The AFA is the first fertility organization to offer this resource," says Ken Mosesian, Executive Director of The American Fertility Association.

What: A webinar entitled Catholics and IVF: A Pastoral Approach

Who: The American Fertility Association and Fr. Jon Pedigo, STL

When: Monday, December 7th, 2009, 1:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

Where: Online and via telephone. Registration information at http://www.theafa.org

Why: To assist Catholics in having an informed conversation on IVF and ART with their pastors

Cost: Free, though donations are accepted and reservations are a must. Space is limited.

This webinar comes on the heels of a document approved in November by the U.S. Catholic Bishops, which approves the moral use of reproductive technologies for couples who are struggling to conceive naturally. The document states the process must not include third parties (i.e. donors or surrogates). It also approves such processes as repairing blocked fallopian tubes and treating male factor infertility; it does not allow for IVF.