Religious leaders confront reproductive technologies
Posted by Marcy Darnovsky February 9, 2009
Biopolitical Times
The Religious Institute on Sexual Morality, Justice and Healing has just issued an "Open Letter to Religious Leaders on Assisted Reproductive Technologies."
The letter notes that "[f]or centuries, religious communities have provided direction, discernment and doctrine on issues of fertility, childbearing and family formation." However, it continues, there now exists
The letter notes that "[f]or centuries, religious communities have provided direction, discernment and doctrine on issues of fertility, childbearing and family formation." However, it continues, there now exists
a relative silence when the issues shift to infertility and assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). The rapid growth of ARTs has outpaced religious and ethical discernment.The letter raises issues about the safety, effectiveness and accessibility of reproductive technologies, and invites religious leaders to "engage in public discourse about the social and ethical issues involved in ARTs and speak out against ART practices that violate human rights and dignity."