Can doing IVF be a cause for excommunication?

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lostsheepindeed

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I’m not sure where to post this, so please forgive me if this is in the wrong spot.

My DH and I, we’ve been open to life from the beginning. However, we were not blessed with any babies. The only way for us to get pg is through IVF. I went to confession earlier this year about it, but I’m not sure that my priest really understood the grave matter of what we did. My penance was to do 3 Our Fathers and 3 Hail Marys. Before every Mass since confession, I would say my penance. I feel that if the priest really understood what we did, he’d excommunicate me and DH. So my question is: Can doing IVF be a cause for excommunication? Thank you and God bless!
 
IVF is gravely wrong, and you know that. But if every Catholic were excommunicated upon committing mortal sin (of which I can’t be sure you did) then there would be little need for the sacrament of Reconciliation. We are, in fact, only required to confess mortal sins. Christ set up the sacrament for the purpose of giving forgiveness and healing to people who commit serious sins.

If it makes you feel any more at peace, I have found very little correlation between the severity of my sins and the penance I receive in confession.

Don’t second guess your priest. You confessed having done IVF and have received absolution. The sin is gone and you are in full communion with the Church. Praise God!

By the way, if you and your husband are still trying to conceive, you might consider asking Saint Gerard Majella to intercede. He is the patron saint of expectant mothers and unborn children (and coincidentally, of good confessions) 🙂
 
I would consult another priest if, especially, there are other embryos in storage. Or better, talk to a Catholic ethicist:
informationsecured.com/ncbc2/consultation.asp

I do not think IVF is an automatic excommunication as is abortion. Regardless, if you didn’t know it was an excommunicable sin, then you would not be culpable for that.

Maybe God is urging you to turn your feelings into action. I know many people who are post-abortive or self-sterilizing (tubal ligation or vasectomy) who do pro-life ministry as a way of making reparations.

Christ’s peace be with you.
 
lostsheepindeed said:
I’m not sure where to post this, so please forgive me if this is in the wrong spot.

My DH and I, we’ve been open to life from the beginning. However, we were not blessed with any babies. The only way for us to get pg is through IVF. I went to confession earlier this year about it, but I’m not sure that my priest really understood the grave matter of what we did. My penance was to do 3 Our Fathers and 3 Hail Marys. Before every Mass since confession, I would say my penance. I feel that if the priest really understood what we did, he’d excommunicate me and DH. So my question is: Can doing IVF be a cause for excommunication? Thank you and God bless!
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No. There are only very specific actions which have a penalty of automatic excommunication. And, moreoever, priests do **NOT **excommunicate people. The Bishops are the only ones with the authority to excommunicate, and it is a very formal, lengthy process as a penalty for the items outlined in Canon Law. Additionally, excommunication is only a tool used on the unrepentant (which you are not) to get them to repent. Exommunication is not a “forever” penalty. The point is to get the person to repent and go to Confession and be reconciled with the Church-- at which point the excommunication is lifted and the person restored to full Sacramental communion.

It seems you misunderstand what excommunication is and how it is used by the Church.

You have gone to Confession and been absolved. Clearly you are now aware of the gravity of the situation and remorseful for having done it.

You are absolved. ** Please do not keep punishing yourself.**

If you need reassurance and counseling, please discuss it with a priest-- not in the confessional but by appointment.
 
It wouldn’t matter if IVF was cause for excommunication, because the way to stop being excommunicated is to go to confession and confess the sin that was excommunication-worthy. So, you’ve confessed your sin, you are forgiven! Nothing to worry about anymore! 😃
 
pumpkinbeast said:
It wouldn’t matter if IVF was cause for excommunication, because the way to stop being excommunicated is to go to confession and confess the sin that was excommunication-worthy. So, you’ve confessed your sin, you are forgiven! Nothing to worry about anymore! 😃
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Well, no , not really. You have to confess to an authority of the church who has the ablility to lift the excommunication . Usually this is the Bishop but many countries have their own practices. In the US for instance most Bishops have given the power to the diocesan priests to lift the excommunication from abortion but that’s about it.
 
lostsheepindeed said:
I’m not sure where to post this, so please forgive me if this is in the wrong spot.

My DH and I, we’ve been open to life from the beginning. However, we were not blessed with any babies. The only way for us to get pg is through IVF. I went to confession earlier this year about it, but I’m not sure that my priest really understood the grave matter of what we did. My penance was to do 3 Our Fathers and 3 Hail Marys. Before every Mass since confession, I would say my penance. I feel that if the priest really understood what we did, he’d excommunicate me and DH. So my question is: Can doing IVF be a cause for excommunication? Thank you and God bless!
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No, its not a a cause for excommunication. It is a grave matter and a mortal sin if you understood that it was at the time and willfully did it anyway. You have been absolved. Christ has spoken. It’s done. If you wish to express your contrition then work with the church on pro-life issues. Speak or write on why IVF is wrong, donate to pro- life issues , pray for the conversion of hearts.
 
Seatuck said:
Well, no , not really. You have to confess to an authority of the church who has the ablility to lift the excommunication . Usually this is the Bishop but many countries have their own practices. In the US for instance most Bishops have given the power to the diocesan priests to lift the excommunication from abortion but that’s about it.
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Ah, okay. Thanks for the clarification!
 
Thank you all for responding. I did work with pro-life issues in our town and even the alpha center, but it was so hard for me. I found myself getting bitter and jealous of all the women who came in there and didn’t realize what a special blessing they have. So I had quit. I am having to keep praying about it as to what God wants of my life. And if it’s not to be a mother, then I pray that God takes that desire from me. Or maybe this is my punishment - still having the desire? Anyway, I’ve rambled. Again, thank you for answering my question.
 
You’ve received wonderful responses already…
But I just wanted to mention… don’t forget about the option of ADOPTION! There may be a very good reason you have the desire to be a mother… you still CAN!

Just keep it in the back of your mind to pray about! 🙂
 
lostsheepindeed said:
Thank you all for responding. I did work with pro-life issues in our town and even the alpha center, but it was so hard for me. I found myself getting bitter and jealous of all the women who came in there and didn’t realize what a special blessing they have. So I had quit. I am having to keep praying about it as to what God wants of my life. And if it’s not to be a mother, then I pray that God takes that desire from me. Or maybe this is my punishment - still having the desire? Anyway, I’ve rambled. Again, thank you for answering my question.
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It’s absolutely not a punishment. God doesn’t operate that way. But he does allow us to experience these human emotions including longing for things we can’t have. He is there to offer you the grace to deal with it. Pehaps you can volunteer with children- teach CCD or something and “mother” that way. Perhaps be a foster parent or adoption as has been mentioned. This is a terrible cross to bear. If Father Serpa was writing to you he might mention spending some time before the crucifix and looking at Christs sufferings.
One more thing- Make sure you have looked at all the reproductive technologies that Catholics are permitted to use.

usccb.org/prolife/issues/nfp/treatment.htm

Another one more thing. The church has not ruled against adopting an embryo or a “snowflake baby” as they are called. Is that an option for you ?

I’m sorry for your suffering. ((hugs))
 
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