In vitro Fertilization in the Context of the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation

Abstract

The practice of extracorporeal „in vitro" fertilization is spreading faster and faster. Persons who participate in many different ways in these procedures and at the same time are unable to evaluate them properly, benefit from the sacrament of reconciliation and penance. What is the way in which the confessor should receive these persons, what conditions have to be accomplished so that an authentic reconciliation with God could take place? The present article is the attempt to show and analyze some fundamental issues relating to the problems connected with „in vitro" fertilization in the context of the sacrament of reconciliation and penance. The analyses pertain to three points. The first one concerns the validity of the sacrament and discusses two main conditions of the sacrament: contrition and atonement; at the same time the need of taking into consideration the moment when the penitent asks for the sacrament with reference to the course of the „in vitro" process is discussed. The second point shows the need of taking into account different determinants on the penitent's part and the influence of these determinants on the awareness and voluntariness of activities undertaken; the author discusses also the problem of the responsibility of different persons involved in artificial fertilization. Last but not least the significance of the confessor's attitude is highlighted