More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us.”

Romans 5:3-5

Welcome to our page dedicated to supporting those experiencing the cross of infertility. The season of infertility can be filled with deep longing and uncertainty. The Church stands with those on the path of infertility, offering pastoral accompaniment and practical resources that align with Church teachings. Here, you will find guidance on understanding infertility, ethical treatments, and the many forms of support that are available.

For those on the path of infertility, we are here to walk with you, to pray with you, and to offer whatever assistance we can as you seek to discern God’s plan for your family. Remember that your worth and dignity are not defined by your ability to conceive. In carrying the cross of infertility, lean on the strength of your faith, the love of your spouse, and the support of your parish community as you seek comfort and hope during this time.

Understanding Infertility

Infertility is a complex and often misunderstood condition affecting many couples. It is defined as the inability to conceive a child after a year of attempting. Infertility can result from various medical issues, including hormonal imbalances, structural problems in the reproductive system, genetic factors, or unexplained causes. It affects both men and women and can be a source of significant emotional and psychological stress.

Primary & Secondary Infertility

Primary infertility refers to the inability to conceive a child or carry a pregnancy to term after at least one year of regular, unprotected intercourse without any prior pregnancies.

Secondary infertility is the inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term after previously having conceived and given birth to one or more children.

Understanding the medical dimensions of infertility can help in seeking appropriate support and treatment.

Catholic Teaching on Infertility

The Catholic Church upholds the sanctity of marriage and the procreative purpose of conjugal love. The Church recognizes the legitimate desire of couples to have children and understands the suffering caused by infertility. 

• Struggling with infertility and miscarriage is a great burden for couples, especially when they so deeply desire to live out their vocation to welcome the gift of children from God. All may seem hopeless. In moments such as these, remember that despite infertility, couples “can have a married life that is filled with love and meaning” – Married Love and the Gift of Life
  
• It is important to remember that infertile couples are fruitful when their married love is “open to others, to the needs of the apostolate … the needs of the poor…the needs of orphans” and to the world. – St. John Paul II, Homily, 1982; quoted in Married Love and the Gift of Life
  
• A child is not something owed to one but is a gift. The “supreme gift of marriage” is a human person. A child may not be considered a piece of property, an idea to which an alleged “right to a child” would lead. In this area, only the child possesses genuine rights: the right “to be the fruit of the specific act of the conjugal love of his parents,” and “the right to be respected as a person from the moment of his conception.” The Gospel shows that physical sterility is not an absolute evil. Spouses who still suffer from infertility after exhausting legitimate medical procedures should unite themselves with the Lord’s Cross, the source of all spiritual fecundity. They can give expression to their generosity by adopting abandoned children or performing demanding services for others. – CCC 2378-2379

NaPro Resources

According to Catholic teaching, any medical intervention must respect the dignity of procreation and the marital relationship. Procedures that replace the marital act, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and surrogacy, are considered morally unacceptable. Instead, the Church promotes ethical alternatives that assist the marital act in achieving conception, aligning with the belief in the sanctity of life from the moment of conception.

The Church supports medical treatments that respect the natural process of conception. One such approach is NaProTECHNOLOGY (Natural Procreative Technology), which involves comprehensive monitoring and treatment of reproductive health to assist natural conception. This method includes hormonal evaluations, surgical interventions to correct anatomical issues, and lifestyle changes to improve overall fertility. NaProTECHNOLOGY aligns with Catholic values, emphasizing the importance of cooperating with the body’s natural functions rather than replacing them.

“Fecundity is a gift, an end of marriage, for conjugal love naturally tends to be fruitful. A child does not come from outside as something added on to the mutual love of the spouses, but springs from the very heart of that mutual giving, as its fruit and fulfillment. So the Church, which “is on the side of life” teaches that “each and every marriage act must remain open ‘per se’ to the transmission of life.” “This particular doctrine, expounded on numerous occasions by the Magisterium, is based on the inseparable connection, established by God, which man on his own initiative may not break, between the unitive significance and the procreative significance which are both inherent to the marriage act.” – CCC 2366

Pastoral Care & Support

The spiritual and emotional toll of infertility can be overwhelming. Feelings of grief, anger, and isolation are common. Catholic counselors and therapists who understand the faith-based dimensions of infertility can offer compassionate care. Spiritual direction and counseling from a priest or trained pastoral counselor can also provide additional guidance and comfort. Likewise, support groups within parishes or Catholic organizations create a community where couples can share their experiences, find solidarity, and receive encouragement from others who understand their journey. 

Nativity Catholic Church in Longwood, FL
A small group for women on the path of infertility.  The group will meet on Thursday nights starting on October 3, 2024 from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm.  For more information, visit the registration page here or contact the Office of Marriage and Family Ministry.

Catholic Charities of Central Florida
If you find yourself needing mental health support or couples counseling, CCCFL offers Behavioral Health Services in our diocese.  They can be reached at (407) 658-1818 ext.1069. You can also visit their website for more information.

Spiritual Direction

San Pedro Spiritual Development Center can connect you with Spiritual Directors in our diocese. Contact Katie Phillips, Program Manager, at (407) 671-6322 ext. 107 to inquire. You can also contact your parish to schedule a meeting with a priest for spiritual direction and accompaniment.  Click here to find your nearest parish.

Adoption and Foster Care

For many couples, adoption or foster care is a loving response to the challenge of infertility. The Church views adoption as a generous act of love, providing a family for a child in need. Catholic adoption agencies and services guide couples through the process, ensuring that it aligns with their faith and values. Foster care also offers an opportunity to provide a temporary or permanent home for children in need, reflecting the Church’s call to care for the vulnerable and marginalized.

Catholic Charities Adoption Services

Catholic Charities Adoption Services is a licensed child adoption agency that has been providing adoption services as Catholic Social Services since 1945, making them a well-established and respected adoption provider in the community.  Their Florida adoption agency provides services in 25 counties within Florida to all members of the adoption triad including birth parents, adoptive families, and adopted persons.  They offer support and information to anyone regardless of age, ethnic origin, or religion. For more information, visit their website.

Additional Resources

• The National Catholic Bioethics Center
  The NCBN provides education, guidance, and resources to the Church and society to uphold the dignity of the human person in health care and biomedical research, thereby sharing in the ministry of Jesus Christ and his Church.

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