A Thomistic Account Of Ethics Of Assisted Reproductive Technologies I Professor Matthew Dugandzic
Dec 1, 2023
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Professor Matthew Dugandzic, theology faculty member, explores Aquinas' perspective on sexual ethics and the societal implications of irresponsible use of sexual faculties. He discusses the ethical considerations in assisted reproductive technologies, genetics, culture, and human development. The chapter concludes with an exploration of the ethical concerns of surrogacy and parental responsibilities.
Aquinas emphasizes that sexual faculties have social and political significance, existing not for private ends but for the well-being of society, forming the basis of Catholic sexual ethics.
ART, such as artificial insemination and surrogacy, raises concerns as it separates procreation from the sexual act and disrupts the natural purpose of sex, denying children knowledge of their biological forebears and commodifying a woman's body.
Deep dives
Importance of Sexual Dimorphism in Reproduction
Aquinas argues that human beings are a sexually dimorphic species, with men and women having distinct anatomical and physiological features for reproduction. He emphasizes that sexual faculties have social and political significance, existing not for private ends but for the well-being of society. Aquinas maintains that sex should only occur within the context of marriage, where children can be loved, cared for, and provided for. This perspective forms the basis of Catholic sexual ethics.
Problems with Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)
ART, such as artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization (IVF), and surrogacy, raises concerns as it separates procreation from the sexual act and cultivates dispositions that treat children as objects. Heterologous ART, which uses genetic material from donors outside the marital relationship, creates ambiguity in terms of responsibility towards the child's heritage, denying children knowledge of their biological forebears. Homologous ART, using the genetic material of a married couple, still breaks the link between sex and procreation, disrupting the natural purpose of sex.
Harmful Effects of Surrogacy
Surrogacy, which involves separating a child from their biological mother, raises alarming concerns. A child's relationship with their mother begins in the womb and continues after birth, and disruption of this connection can be traumatic for the child. Surrogacy also commodifies a woman's body, putting her in a vulnerable position due to power imbalances and contractual disputes. The view that a woman can simply choose to do what she wants with her reproductive capability disregards the rights and needs of children and undermines the notion of parental responsibilities as inherent rather than optional.
The Need for Responsible Reproduction
This podcast argues for a child-centered approach to reproduction, emphasizing that children are not objects to be manufactured or discarded based on individual preferences. It encourages responsible parenthood and the consideration of children's well-being, both in terms of their genetic and cultural heritage. The goal is to ensure that children grow up in loving and stable environments where they can benefit from the inheritance of their parents' cultural and genetic lineage.
Matthew Dugandzic joined the theology faculty at St. Mary’s Seminary and University in 2019 after completing a Ph.D. in moral theology at The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. His dissertation, "A Thomistic Account of the Habituation of the Passions," explored the ways in which people can develop virtuous affective inclinations.
Dr. Dugandzic's scholarship focuses on medieval thought, especially Thomas Aquinas' anthropology, psychology, and ethics. His work on Christ's passions recently appeared in the European Journal for the Study of Thomas Aquinas and his other writings on the passions and on bioethics have appeared in New Blackfriars and National Catholic Bioethics Quarterly. His current research focuses on the sources that Aquinas used in developing his understanding of virtue and on recovering ancient and medieval wisdom regarding economics in order to apply this wisdom to contemporary financial problems (like student loan debt).
Dr. Dugandzic has taught courses in fundamental moral theology, bioethics, theological anthropology, and Catholic social teaching. In addition to his work in the academy, Dr. Dugandzic has also brought his theological expertise to the aid of the Church, having taught theology to RCIA groups, catechists, and candidates for the permanent diaconate.
In addition to his doctorate, Dr. Dugandzic holds a BSc in biology from Concordia University in Montréal, Québec and an MA in religious studies from St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers, New York. He and his wife, Audra, live in Baltimore, MD. In his spare time, he likes to play hockey, which he enjoys almost as much as reading theology.
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