Unanswered Questions: A Catholic Response

Abstract

This paper examines the similarities and differences between ‘Hindu’ and Catholic thought on the ethical issues raised by Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). It highlights, in the first place, how the two traditions converge in their fundamental recognition of the dignity of the human embryo from the moment of conception and the consequent responsibility to recognize and protect its sanctity of life. Differences in how this dignity and sanctity is theologically, anthropologically, and ontologically founded lie beneath the surface, however, and this affects how they attempt to resolve ethically challenging situations concerning the use of ART. For while Catholic thought considers the dignity of the embryo to be an absolute value, the ‘Hindu’ tradition seems to veer toward a sort of situation ethics where principles like the duty to reproduce, compassion toward an infertile couple, the possible good of scientific research and development, and the motives of the parents can all come into play when determining if, when, and what types of ART can ethically be employed.