NEW YORK, Dec. 2, 2009 — On Monday, The American Fertility Association will host a webinar entitled Catholics and IVF: A Pastoral Approach, presented by Father Jon Pedigo. IVF, or In Vitro Fertilization, is a form of assisted reproductive technology (ART) often used by couples and individuals who are having difficulty conceiving a child naturally. During the IVF process, one or more embryos are implanted into a woman's uterus and the remaining, unused embryos are destroyed, frozen, or donated. The Catholic Church strongly opposes IVF, not only because of the disposition of the embryos, but also because they're created in a laboratory and not inside the human body between the husband and wife who will be the parents of the child.
"The American Fertility Association believes that educating people about their family building options is the most important function it can serve. The AFA strives to present all possible choices without bias, giving couples and individuals a complete picture of what is available. Infertility is one of the most intense experiences someone will ever deal with. Our goal with this webinar is not to challenge the teachings of the Catholic Church, but to encourage conversation and to equip Catholics with the knowledge they need to have a respectful conversation with their pastors about their lived experiences. We believe that The AFA is the first fertility organization to offer this resource," says Ken Mosesian, Executive Director of The American Fertility Association.
What: A webinar entitled Catholics and IVF: A Pastoral Approach
Who: The American Fertility Association and Fr. Jon Pedigo, STL
When: Monday, December 7th, 2009, 1:00 PM Eastern Standard Time
Where: Online and via telephone. Registration information at http://www.theafa.org
Why: To assist Catholics in having an informed conversation on IVF and ART with their pastors
Cost: Free, though donations are accepted and reservations are a must. Space is limited.
This webinar comes on the heels of a document approved in November by the U.S. Catholic Bishops, which approves the moral use of reproductive technologies for couples who are struggling to conceive naturally. The document states the process must not include third parties (i.e. donors or surrogates). It also approves such processes as repairing blocked fallopian tubes and treating male factor infertility; it does not allow for IVF.
Press Contact (inquiries are welcome and interviews are available):
Brian Armentrout
Communications Director, The AFA
205-425-3644
917-324-1545
Email
The American Fertility Association, a 501(c)(3) national non-profit organization, is a lifetime resource for infertility prevention, reproductive health and family building. The AFA services and materials are provided free of charge to consumers and available to everyone without reservation. These services include an extensive online library, monthly online chats, telephone and in-person coaching, a resource directory, hosted message boards, daily fertility news and a toll-free support line.
http://www.theafa.org or 888.917.3777
About the Speaker
Fr. Jon Pedigo, STL, a California native, has been active in civic affairs and social justice causes for more than 25 years. Since his ordination to the Diocese of San Jose in 1991, Fr. Pedigo has been involved with several local social justice causes and inter-faith dialogues. He did his theology studies at St. Patrick Seminary, Menlo Park and holds a Licentiate in Sacred Theology from the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley. Fr. Pedigo serves as Pastor at St. Julie Billiart Parish, in the southern-most area of the city of San Jose.
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