Human dignity and manipulation genetics. Analysis of the Catholic Church’s position in assisted procreation

Abstract

The ethical and anthropological stance of the Catholic Church regarding assisted fertility techniques and genetic manipulation is analysed, taking as the starting point the document Dignitas Personae published by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the
Faith in 2008.

Through a literature review, the main ethical and anthropological issues related to embryonic manipulation are identified and compared with the position of the Catholic Church, who opposed practices that do not respect human life and dignity,  defending life from conception to natural death.

The importance of approaching the ethical issues related to assisted reproduction from a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach considering both scientific aspects and ethical and anthropological values at stake, is emphasized. This guides healthcare professionals to advise couples facing difficulties in starting a family towards options that respect the integrity of the human person and the sacred marital union.

Keywords: Human dignity, Assisted reproduction, Genetic manipulation, Marital union