LDS Church Position - ldsinfertility.org — Learning About and Understanding Infertility from an LDS (Mormon) Perspective

LDS Church Position

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    LDS Church Position

There are intense moral issues surrounding reproductive technologies, and because of that, my husband and I sought to know what our religion thought about the various procedures we were considering. How grateful I am that the LDS Church has a position about family building options!

The Church Handbook of Instructions addresses and gives guidance to Priesthood leaders as they counsel with couples who are seeking alternative methods of having a family. Joel and I had some preconceived notions of the Church's position regarding the procedures we were considering. After meeting with our bishop, we were pleasantly surprised by what we learned about the Church's position and the guidance we received from our Priesthood leader. The Handbook addresses such topics as:

Artificial Insemination
In Vitro Fertilization
Adoption
Donor Programs

I have thought a great deal about posting the text from the Handbook so that it is conveniently available to couples, however, I have not felt right about being the one distributing that information. I believe that there is inspiration behind the way that the information is supposed to be given...couples seeking guidance regarding reproductive technologies and adoption can go to their Priesthood leaders for information and can open a dialogue about the issues they are facing. I would much rather encourage you to talk to your bishop than to keep you from developing a meaningful and helpful relationship with him.

When Joel and I opened up to our Bishop about our personal trial with infertility, I must say it was far from easy, but it proved to be greatly valuable. Not only did he provide us with information about the Church's perspective about infertility, but he provided emotional and spiritual support. Now, years later, the bishops in whom we confided continue to be valued and dear friends who will always have a special place in our lives. Bishops are set apart and blessed with a mantle of discernment, which is a powerful gift when we are seeking specific help from our Heavenly Father. When we rely on our bishops, we open our lives to blessings and compassion that cannot be found anywhere else.