Pope denounces surrogacy as a form of exploitation, supports ban
Pope Francis denounces surrogacy as an exploitative practice and advocates for a worldwide prohibition, labeling it as 'deplorable' during a memorable address at Vatican City
In a speech in Vatican City on Monday, Pope Francis called for a global prohibition on surrogacy, denouncing the practice as "deplorable." "I consider the practice of so-called surrogate motherhood to be deplorable, as it constitutes a serious infringement on the dignity of women and children, exploiting the material needs of mothers," said the Pope.
"A child is always a gift and never the basis of a commercial contract."
Pope Francis said that he hopes that the international community will make efforts to "prohibit this practice universally."
He added that human life must be preserved and defended at all times. The Catholic Church has consistently opposed surrogacy and in vitro fertilization, citing depersonalization of conception and disposal of embryos, which it equates to abortion.
Italy and several other countries have outlawed surrogacy, while in the United Kingdom, the practice is legal but restricted, with commercial surrogacy prohibited. In the United States, surrogacy laws differ from state to state.
For those who have difficulties conceiving and for same-sex couples and individuals unable to conceive on their own, surrogacy offers a route to parenthood.
Though there have been longstanding ethical concerns around surrogacy, including whether the practice is exploitative.
From left, Cardinal Raymond Burke, Pope Francis and Bishop Joseph Strickland
Reuters/USA Today Network
Pope Francis is facing unprecedented opposition from American critics due to his progressive stance on contemporary issues such as giving communion to divorced and remarried Catholics, welcoming LGBTQ individuals, and addressing the issues of migrants and the climate crisis.
Pope Francis has made a significant change in the Roman Catholic Church's approach to LGBTQ+ people by formally allowing priests to bless same-sex couples. This new permission does come with some restrictions, as the blessings cannot be part of regular Church rituals or liturgies, and cannot be performed at the same time as a civil union, according to a Vatican document approved by the pope.
Despite this more open stance on LGBTQ+ issues, Pope Francis remains firm on his beliefs about abortion and surrogacy. In 2022, he described surrogacy as an "inhuman and increasingly widespread practice," equating it to the exploitation of poor women and the treatment of children as commodities. Additionally, he has likened abortion to hiring a "hitman to solve a problem."
In his Monday address, Francis also expressed his concerns about the ongoing spread of a "culture of death" in the West, where children, the elderly, and the sick are being discarded in the name of false compassion. He specifically mentioned that this trend is a cause for regret.
