Close to one in six couples in the UK struggle to conceive. Children are a gift from God. There are ways of preparing for such a gift. God blesses couples not only once the child is conceived or born, but on their whole path in becoming a family. Statistically, a well-followed natural conception support pathway is as successful as the artificial reproductive pathway.

The UK healthcare system offers many ways to assist a couple with fertility struggles. Catholic couples have the duty to evaluate the morality of any treatment offered against God’s plan for marriage and family life. 

Some of the key principles for couples to draw to mind:
  1. The child has the right to be conceived as the fruit of his/her parent’s marital unity.  
  2. The conception rests with the married couple alone. No third party, no matter how well- intentioned, can be involved in the conception process, as that would devalue the marital unity.  
  3. God remains the author and giver of all life which man is called to accept unconditionally.  
  4. Human life starts at conception i.e. when the sperm and egg unite.

The Catholic Church has issued several documents about this topic. 

Please remember your parish priests are there for you to guide and help with matters of faith and morals. 
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Also you may contact Ira Winter on 01926888088 or fertilitycare@fiatfertilitycare.co.uk or see www.fiatfertilitycare.co.uk for more information.

Further resources about Fertility Support
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This book by the founder of NaProTechnology, Dr Tom Hilgers, tells what is possible when working with God's plan and providing restorative reproductive medicine. For more info click here
The authors describe the book as a companion for those contending with the challenges of infertility as faithful Catholics. While aimed in a particular way at infertile couples, the book offers a helpful perspective to anyone seeking to understand this challenge more deeply.