Pope Francis urges worldwide ban on surrogacy, condemning 'commercialization' of pregnancy
Pope Francis (Getty Images)
Pope Francis spoke out against the practice of surrogate motherhood, calling it "despicable" and urging for a global ban on this method during a recent foreign policy address to ambassadors at the Holy See, according to AP News.
In his speech, Pope Francis emphasized the need to protect the lives of unborn children and condemned the "commercialization" of pregnancy, stating that it should not be "suppressed or turned into an object of trafficking."
“I consider despicable the practice of so-called surrogate motherhood, which represents a grave violation of the dignity of the woman and the child, based on the exploitation of situations of the mother’s material needs,” he said.
The Pope's stance on surrogacy aligns with the Vatican's opposition to in vitro fertilization, and he has previously referred to surrogacy as "uterus for rent." Despite this opposition, the Vatican's doctrine office allows the baptism of children born through surrogacy for same-sex parents.
While commercial surrogacy contracts are prevalent in the United States, they face bans in parts of Europe, including Spain and Italy. Critics argue that commercial surrogacy disproportionately affects vulnerable women, while supporters contend that it provides an opportunity for childless couples and ensures protection for surrogates and intended parents.
Other issues Pope raised
He expressed concern about the increasing threats to global peace and human dignity in 2024, citing conflicts such as Russia's war against Ukraine, the Israel-Hamas war, migration challenges, climate crises, and the production of nuclear and conventional weapons, humanitarian crises in Africa, and called for diplomatic dialogue with the Nicaraguan government amid a perceived crisis. He emphasized the importance of recognizing the human cost of war, stating that civilian victims are not just "collateral damage" but individuals with names and futures.
Recently, Pope Francis officially approved the blessing of same-sex couples. This is a significant step away from canonical Vatican policy,
