Pope urges worldwide prohibition of surrogacy
Pope Francis Calls for Global Ban on Surrogacy, Condemns Exploitation of Women and Children
In a powerful address to ambassadors from 184 countries, Pope Francis expressed his strong opposition to the practice of using surrogate mothers to birth children. He described surrogacy as “despicable” and a violation of the dignity of both women and children.
“I consider despicable the practice of so-called surrogate motherhood, which represents a grave violation of the dignity of the woman and the child,” Francis said.
The pope emphasized that surrogacy exploits the financial vulnerability of surrogate mothers and turns unborn children into objects of trafficking. He called for a global ban on surrogacy, stating that a child should always be seen as a gift and never as the basis of a commercial contract.
It is worth noting that the Catholic Church prohibits the use of surrogate mothers and teaches that conception should only occur through the marital act between a husband and wife.
This is not the first time Pope Francis has spoken out against surrogacy. In a previous condemnation, he described it as an “inhumane and increasingly widespread practice” that exploits poor women and treats unborn children as commodities.
While surrogacy is legal in the United States, it is illegal in several other countries, including Spain and Italy.
The High Cost and Celebrity Influence
The surrogacy process is known to be expensive, often exceeding $100,000, making it unaffordable for many families. However, the idea of becoming a commercial surrogate is attractive to some low-income women.
Notably, several American celebrities, such as Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian, and Anderson Cooper, have chosen to hire surrogates to carry and give birth to their children.
In 2022, the global commercial surrogacy industry was estimated to be worth more than $14 billion, highlighting the significant financial implications of this practice.
Pope Francis Addresses Global Conflicts and Injustices
The pope’s annual address to countries with diplomatic relations with the Vatican, often referred to as his “State of the World” speech, provides him with a platform to discuss ongoing conflicts and injustices.
In his latest address, Pope Francis specifically mentioned the “large-scale war waged by the Russian Federation against Ukraine,” offering a more direct comment on Russia’s role in the conflict than usual.
He also addressed other pressing issues, including the Israel-Hamas war, the immigration crisis, climate change, artificial intelligence, Christian persecution, and antisemitism.
Expressing concern for the state of peace in the world, Pope Francis reminded everyone that grave violations of international humanitarian law are considered war crimes.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP
How does surrogacy contribute to the commodification of women’s bodies, according to Pope Francis?
And treats children as commodities. The pope’s latest address further strengthens his stance on the issue, urging the global community to take action against this form of exploitation.
Surrogacy, in its various forms, involves a woman carrying a child on behalf of another person or couple who are unable to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term. While some argue that surrogacy provides hope for those struggling with infertility, Pope Francis emphasizes the ethical concerns and violations it entails.
One of the primary concerns raised by the pope is the exploitation of women. Surrogacy often involves financially vulnerable women who resort to becoming surrogates as a means of economic survival. They are often lured by promises of monetary compensation, which can be seen as akin to selling one’s body or reproductive capacity. This commodification of women’s bodies diminishes their inherent dignity and reduces them to mere means to an end.
Additionally, the pope highlights the objectification of children that surrogacy perpetuates. By reducing the child to a product that can be bought and sold, surrogacy fails to recognize the child’s inherent rights and dignity. Children are not commodities or objects to be manufactured according to individual desires but are instead beings deserving of love, care, and respect.
Furthermore, Pope Francis underlines the need for a global ban on surrogacy. The practice of surrogacy, he argues, should not be left to individual jurisdictions but requires a united effort to protect the rights of women and children worldwide. A child’s birth should never be a matter of contracts or financial transactions but should instead be viewed as a precious gift, bestowed by the miracle of life.
The Catholic Church has long held a firm stance against surrogacy, promoting the sanctity of marriage and the natural procreative process. In its teachings, the Church emphasizes the importance of the marital act and the union of husband and wife as the sole means of conceiving a child. The pope’s condemnation of surrogacy aligns with these principles and is in line with the Catholic Church’s unwavering stance on the issue.
Pope Francis’ strong words against surrogacy reflect a broader call for the protection and promotion of human dignity. His condemnation of this practice sheds light on the exploitation of women and children, urging society to reevaluate its priorities and recommit itself to safeguarding the fundamental rights of all individuals.
It is hoped that Pope Francis’ plea for a global ban on surrogacy will resonate with world leaders and policymakers, sparking meaningful discussions and action on this pressing issue. By standing against the exploitation of women and condemning the objectification of children, society can move closer to a world that values human dignity and respects the sanctity of life.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
