I am considering doing IVF; how much of a sin is it?

[MemCath1]

I am a healthy woman who can have children. However, my husband has a male infertility factor. I have tried IVF several times without success. My priest said I had better confess it, which I did (I didn’t want to because I knew there might be a chance of doing it again.) My doctor suggested that we use donor sperm, which we purchased. I am running of time due to my age. My husband and I have been married 9 years. In the early part of our marriage, my husband had issues with lying,etc…and there was an incident that involved the police and due to his lying, I was the one that ended getting arrested. The case was dropped, but there is a record. Because of this incident, my husband and I didn’t find out that infertility was a factor because we were estranged in the marriage while he sought treatment for his isses. I am not sure if I will qualify for adoption and so I am considering doing IVF with donated sperm.
I know it’s a sin, but how much of one?

Since I was a child, I wanted a big family and am heartsick about not having my own child.

Thank you for your assistance.

Lee

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Dear Lee,

Our Lord said, “What does it profit a man if he gains he whole world and yet suffers the loss of his soul?” (Mt. 16:26) We weren’t created to serve ourselves. We were created to serve God. Doing His will is what matters. We exist for Him. It is only by putting Him first that we can ever be at peace.

Having a child only to satisfy one’s needs is not a good enough reason to be a parent. Parenthood demands self-sacrifice from day one. One’s attention must be for the welfare of the child. Every child deserves a mother and a father. When we start pulling the conception and birth of children out of the context of the marital love the parents have for each other, we pave the way for disaster.

I will be praying that you come to your senses.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.