Human Dignity is Violated by gender theory and Surrogacy, According to the Vatican's Ethical Statement

The Vatican has recently issued a document expressing its concerns regarding certain aspects of modern society that it believes may undermine human dignity.

Dignitas Infinita, which means “Infinite Dignity” in Latin, was launched on Monday after an extensive five-year development period by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF). This publication addresses the various challenges that pose a threat to human dignity in today’s society.

“The document begins by affirming the profound significance of the human person, emphasising their inherent worth as a reflection of God’s image and their redemption through Jesus Christ,” states the text.

Dignitas Infinita explores a wide range of pressing issues in today’s world, examining them through the perspective of scripture and church teaching. These include topics such as abortion, human trafficking, poverty, euthanasia, and the death penalty, among others.

The document emphasises the Catholic Church’s stance on gender theory, stating that it considers it an unacceptable ideology. It also highlights the belief that trying to change a person’s unchangeable gender is a misguided attempt to take on the role of a higher power.

“Concerning gender theory, the Church emphasises that there is ongoing debate among experts regarding its scientific coherence. The document highlights the Church’s belief that human life, encompassing both physical and spiritual aspects, is a divine gift,” the statement reads. “We are grateful for this generous gift and will use it for the greater good.” Seeking personal autonomy, as gender theory suggests, while disregarding the inherent truth that human life is a precious gift, can lead to succumbing to the timeless temptation of trying to elevate oneself to the status of God, thereby challenging the true God of love as revealed in the Gospel.

This is not a recent position for the church. Pope Francis has previously referred to the rapid rise of gender ideology as one of the world’s “most dangerous ideological colonisations.”

The document further explores a significant aspect of gender theory, which aims to minimise the inherent distinction between individuals: sexual difference. This fundamental distinction is not only the most significant imaginable contrast but also the most exquisite and potent of them all. In the male-female couple, there is a remarkable balance that is achieved. It therefore becomes the origin of that phenomenon that never fails to astonish us: the arrival of fresh individuals in the world.”

Dignitas Infinita has undergone significant revisions in recent months and was ultimately granted publication approval by Pope Francis on March 25. Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, prefect for the DDF, shared the document during a press conference held in Vatican City on Monday.

The document restates the Church’s stance on abortion and further discusses its longstanding ethical concerns regarding surrogate pregnancies, which it believes contradict the pro-life standpoint.

“The Church also expresses its opposition to surrogacy, emphasising the importance of recognising the inherent value of every child,” the document states.

“Above all else, the practice of surrogacy undermines the child’s dignity. The document from the dicastery emphasises the inherent dignity of every child, which is evident throughout their life, from conception to adulthood, and is expressed in their own distinct and individual manner. “Due to the inherent value of every individual, it is important to recognise the child’s entitlement to a natural conception and the opportunity to experience a life that reflects the dignity of both the giver and the recipient.”

Surrogacy through in vitro fertilisation usually involves the artificial fertilisation of multiple human embryos, with some of them often being frozen or destroyed.

The Catholic Church firmly upholds the belief that every human life is sacred and deserving of protection and respect, regardless of when it begins or ends, and regardless of the circumstances surrounding it.

The international industry surrounding surrogate pregnancies has raised serious concerns. Wealthy couples from developed countries are paying impoverished women in the Third World to carry their embryos to term.

Furthermore, it is important to recognise and respect the dignity of every aspect of the conjugal union and human procreation. Given this perspective, the understandable longing to become parents should not be distorted into a claim for entitlement, disregarding the inherent worth of the child as a precious life.

Dignitas Infinita provides valuable insights into the Catholic Church’s perspective on over 14 crucial ethical matters that the Vatican believes warrant deeper contemplation from society.

“The topics discussed in this Declaration are chosen to shed light on various aspects of human dignity that may not be fully recognised by many individuals,” the text states. “Certain subjects may have a stronger impact on certain segments of the population.” However, all of them seem essential as they collectively allow us to appreciate the profound and meaningful ideas about human dignity that are derived from the Gospel.

This is not meant to be a comprehensive and thorough guide to current moral debates. Instead, it offers a brief overview of the most urgent challenges to human dignity.

The statement goes on to say that this Declaration does not aim to cover every aspect of such an important and extensive topic. Instead, its purpose is to provide some thoughts for contemplation that can assist us in preserving a sense of human worth during this intricate period in history. It is important to stay informed and aware in order to navigate the challenges and difficulties of our current era without succumbing to further harm and deep suffering.