Pope calls for universal ban on surrogate parenting, calls it ‘deplorable’
Pope Francis called for a global ban on parenting via surrogacy, calling the practice “deplorable” and a grave violation of the dignity of the woman and the child.
Pope Francis called on Monday for a global ban on parenting via surrogacy, calling the practice “deplorable” and a grave violation of the dignity of the woman and the child.
Francis’ remarks are likely to antagonize pro-LGBTG groups, since surrogacy is often used by gay or lesbian partners who want to have children, and follow his landmark decision to allow priests to bless same-sex couples.
“I deem deplorable the practice of so-called surrogate motherhood, which represents a grave violation of the dignity of the woman and the child, based on the exploitation of situations of the mother’s material needs,” he said.
“Consequently, I express my hope for an effort by the international community to prohibit this practice universally.”
Pope Francis in Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican on Jan. 6, 2024.Filippo Monteforte / AFP - Getty ImagesFrancis, 87, made his comments in a 45-minute address to Vatican-accredited diplomats, which is sometimes called his "state of the world" speech.
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