In-Vitro Fertilization

The pro of IVF is that it brings a child into the world for couples that are unable to have babies otherwise. However, the con is that it is dangerous, expensive, and creates fertilized eggs that can be left as medical waste, which is disrespectful to human life. Before I learned about the Church's reasons for not supporting IVF, I did not see anything wrong with it. Although I would not oppose someone I know having IVF, because it is their decision and not mine, I know now that I definitely would not have IVF if I am unable to have children. I agree with many of the Church's beliefs, especially that it is a waste of life. Additionally, I agree with Sulmasy when he says, "There is this sense that some people have that it’s necessary that they have a biological child to be a complete person. They need to recognize that their value as a person is not connected to their ability to do anything biologically.” I believe that being unable to have a child is nothing to be ashamed of, and that God is not punishing those people, but opening up another door for them. Personally, if I were unable to conceive a child, I would be so happy to adopt a child and give them a family and opportunity. Doing this instead of IVF saves many more lives, in my opinion. However, I do think it is odd that the Church's teachings on IVF is not all correct, as Julie Zimmerman discovered. Additionally, I would not support IVF because of how expensive it is. Although adoption is also very expensive, at least it does not risk spending money the way that IVF does.

Abortion

I believe that this story should have a lot much national story because of the controversy that accompanies abortion. However, I believe that it will start to gain more attention (hopefully) the more drawn out the case becomes, especially when Gosnell's sentencing begins. I believe that he should be given life in prison or house arrest. His crimes have been not only immoral, but also racist, and goes against the Hippocratic oath that he took to become a doctor. Therefore, he should also have his doctor's license revoked. Additionally, another reason why this might not be a well-known is because he is not a well-known man, and his clinic was at an area that also isn't as well known. I do not know if the reaction would be different if this had happened in another area, however. Maybe if it happened on the mainline, more people in that area would know about it, but probably the same amount nationally would know.