Catholic bishop explains why surrogacy is a ‘moral evil’

WATERLOO, Wisconsin, May 30, 2017 (LifeSiteNews) – Surrogacy is a “moral evil” that commidifies human beings and subverts the natural relationship between husband and wife, Bishop Robert Morlino of Madison, Wisconsin, explained to the faithful earlier this month.

Morlino, known for his vocations-attracting orthodoxy, said this in a talk at Holy Family parish on May 18.

Morlino has a doctorate in moral theology and is on the Board of Directors of the National Catholic Bioethics Center.

Pink & Blue Surrogacy and Fertility recently moved to Waterloo. The company, which a local media report explains “works with straight and same-sex couples and single people,” charges $15,000 to coordinate a surrogate pregnancy. 

“The entire process can range from $75,000-$125,000 from start to finish,” Pink & Blue's website says. An “Abortion/Selective Reduction Fee” ranges from $500 to $3,500. 

Although surrogacy may seem like “an act of charity” because it provides couples with children, it's not, Morlino said.

The creation of a new human being within marriage is a “safe space” for God, Morlino said. Surrogacy disrupts the “sacred circle” of marriage by inserting a third party into what should be between husband and wife. Similarly, in-vitro fertilization and artificial insemination aren't morally permissible, he said.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches, “Techniques that entail the dissociation of husband and wife, by the intrusion of a person other than the couple (donation of sperm or ovum, surrogate uterus), are gravely immoral. These techniques (heterologous artificial insemination and fertilization) infringe the child's right to be born of a father and mother known to him and bound to each other by marriage. They betray the spouses' 'right to become a father and a mother only through each other'” (CCC 2376). 

“A child is not something owed to one,” the Catechism continues (CCC 2378).

Morlino encouraged his flock to pray the rosary publicly and privately for the “conversion of hearts in Waterloo,” the Madison Catholic Herald reported.