Acceptable Quote by Christopher West
“The Church's basic moral principle regarding reproductive technologies is this: if a given technology assists the marital embrace in achieving its natural end, it can be morally acceptable, even praiseworthy. However, if it replaces the marital embrace as the means by which the child is conceived, it's not in keeping with God's design.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Theology of the Body for Beginners, Christopher West, 2005
Moral acceptability of reproductive tech depends on whether it supports or replaces the marital act’s natural purpose.
In simple terms: Tech is okay if it helps marriage, not if it replaces it.
Key Takeaway
Support marriage, avoid replacing it.
Themes
ethics
family
technology
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
theological
ethical
When to use this quote
- marriage counseling
- family planning
- fertility treatments
- ethical decision making
Key Concepts
natural law
marital intimacy
procreation
Questions to Reflect On
- How does technology affect the meaning of marriage?
- Can alternatives ever fully respect the natural end?
A Different Perspective
May overlook benefits for couples unable to conceive naturally.
![“It [an ethical problem with in vitro fertilization] depends on whether you're talking ethics from the standpoint of some religious denomination or from just truly religious people. The Jewish or Catholic faiths, for example, have their own rules. But just religious people, who will make very…” quote by Patrick Steptoe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4b2/patrick-steptoe-196043_catholic_it-an-ethical-problem-with-in-vitro-fert_2332460.jpg)
![“In any case, open-seat presidential elections like 2008 just are different in character from incumbent reelects, and I think that's the most important thing about this election - is that once there's an incumbent running for reelection, most of the debate is about, "Has he [Barack Obama] done a…” quote by William Kristol](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0b0/william-kristol-9091_acceptable_in-any-case-open-seat-presidential-elect_36353.jpg)