IVF

The most important pro of IVF is that it allows infertile couples to have children of their own; however, along with that comes many cons. IVF may have negative effects on the health of the mother and child. Some women have allergic reactions to the medications given for IVF and are more susceptible to premature labor. The Catholic Church takes a strong stand against IVF. Catholic teaching states that human life begins at the moment of conception. In IVF, several embryos are often destroyed, which the Church considers the unnatural ending of human life. Paul VI issued a papal encyclical that condemned the birth control pill as a interruption of natural conception. Later, this belief was extended to IVF. Personally, I am not completely for or against IVF. It seems like a nice option for a couple who wants to have their own child, but I agree with the church that the process seems very unnatural. The high cost of IVF doesn't affect my opinion on the morality of IVF, but I believe that it probably affects some couples decisions to go through the process.

Abortion: Why isn't this a national outrage?

I was absolutely shocked and disgusted to hear about the actions of Kermit Gosnell. If it had not been for discussion of the topic in this class and Catholic Social Teaching, I would not have known anything about it. I watch sections of the news on TV and check online news websites and I have not seen or heard anything about Gosnell. I think that this story has been hidden from the news because abortion is such a touchy subject; however, I am amazed that Gosnell killed many unborn babies, seven living babies, and one woman without making national news. Perhaps this event has been overshadowed by the recent happenings in Boston and Texas, or maybe it is being covered up to save the reputation of Philadelphia. I think that if this had occurred on the Main Line or to white teenagers in higher class suburb, there would be much more media coverage. Unfortunately, many crimes occur every single day in Philadelphia, possibly making this seem like not a big deal.

The Changing Face of Marriage

I believe that the term 'domestic church' can have a broad range of meanings. It can mean that a family prays regularly together and practices forgiveness and trust in a spiritual environment, or it can mean that a family simply spends time together and gives thanks for each others company. For me, 'domestic church' takes on the second meaning. It would not be true to say that in my family we openly show our love, always forgive and trust. Growing up, my mom always emphasized the importance of having dinner together every night. To this day, even if my dad is running late from work, we still wait and eat dinner together. Every Sunday, my mom's side of the family all gather at my grandparents' house for a family dinner. My family also goes on our annual trip to Ocean City every summer, and take trips together. Through these ways, my family embodies Christ. We give thanks for each other and what we have. I hope that one day I will have a family of my own, and I can carry these same ideas into my home.

Dating: What's the Point?

I disagree with the view of some of the 'anti-daters' that dating is essentially practice for divorce. I believe that the practice of dating is essential in building the foundation of any romantic relationship. Dating gives two people the opportunity to really get to know each other. How can you devote your life to being with someone else without dating them before marriage? To me, hooking up is not related to dating. 'Hook ups'are between two people who don't really know each other and between two people who usually do not want a relationship. Hooking up is based purely on sexual attraction. Two people who are dating may be romantic and sexual, but it is not in the same way as two people who are hooking up. In contrast with the original statement, I believe that dating may even be used to prevent divorce. If two people get married without dating first, their relationship could end in a divorce, but if they were dating, it would only end up in a breakup. Overall, dating is vital in finding one's life partner.