IVF

       IVF is a very controversial topic, especially in the Catholic church. The pro of IVF is that it helps couples conceive who may be having difficulties. A con is that it is considered an inauthentic way of creating life and also, if you do not implant all of the egg and sperms that are extracted, it is considered similar to abortion. Among world religions, it is a known fact that the Catholic church is the strongest against IVF. The Church's argument revolves around the sanctity of life, the importance of the human sex act in the act of conception, and the threat of IVF. The Catholic church is sometimes too rigid in its teachings however. The financial issue is also relevant. The expenses of IVF almost cause the questioning of whether it should be costing that much to have a child. Many families cannot afford IVF and therefore, it is a precedent that rich people can have children when poor people cannot.

Abortion

            When we read about Kermit Gosnell, I was amazed by the horrifying details of the abortions he performed and the lives he put at risk. I did not previously know about the case, which I am surprised by because bad news is everywhere in our world today, and it is especially shocking because it happened in Philadelphia. I think that the reason this has not been a large, national story is because many associations and people that should have been overseeing this operation did not notice the problems that were occurring in Kermit Gosnell's facilities. Many of the people that the horrors were inflicted upon were minorities. Unfortunately, white women were treated in cleaner facilities, which definitely could have been another reason that it was not a huge reaction. It is honestly an outrage to our society that this could happen anywhere.

Marriage

What has been your experience of the 'domestic church'?  Based on what you've experienced in your own life or seen on television/films, what are some pros/cons of the changing structure and composition of marriage and family?  Finally, some good news- a study of marriage and college degree done by the Pew Trust in 2010 suggested that those with a college degree are less likely to experience divorce and multiple marriages than those without a college degree.  Read more here .

What does that mean for you?  Do you feel compelled to someday establish the domestic church in your home?   

My experience of the domestic church is what I am surrounded by in my home life. My parents have provided a religious foundation where they wanted to have children and raise their children in the Church. However, I think that times are changing and family structures are changing too. Just because a family has two moms, two dads, or a single parent doesn't make them any less of a family, and I believe the Church should adjust to the changing times. Even if gay couples cannot marry, I believe that they should have equal rights under the law and church as a devoted couple. It is very promising that couples with a college degree tend to stay together. This trend is probably because of the stability a college education and steady job brings for a family. I hope that I experience a stable and happy marriage when I am older as well. I don't feel compelled, but I definitely look forward to the future when I have a husband and children that I can raise in the Church the way my parents have raised me. Hopefully in the future we will also see the adjustments the church will make to changing times.