The Narthex
IVF Is Not Pro-Life
It entails selective reductions, discards, and at least one million frozen embryos
By John M. Grondelski | February 10th 2025 1:24 PMI recently criticized in vitro fertilization (IVF) as being, despite appearances, unloving. It raises questions of spousal exclusivity when other peoples’ gametes are used. It raises questions of alienation from our bodies and our child’s, who subtly shifts from a gift to be welcomed to a commodity to be ordered.…
READ FULL BLOG POSTWhat's Wrong With IVF?
Sex is not a 'technique' to make a child for which another 'technique' can be substituted
By John M. Grondelski | February 7th 2025 6:09 PMMany people, including Catholics, can’t see the problems with in vitro fertilization (IVF). They contend it’s “pro-life” and “gives people what they want, a baby.” So why does the Catholic Church oppose IVF? Because life and love can’t be separated, which is why Karol Wojtyla -- the future John Paul…
READ FULL BLOG POSTCaptive Nations Week
Freedom still needs to come to places like China, North Korea, Vietnam, Laos, and Cuba
By John M. Grondelski | July 26th 2024 11:53 AMJuly 21-27 is Captive Nations Week. Congress designated in 1959 the third week of July as Captive Nations Week and asked the President to proclaim it annually. (Congress initially designated Captive Nations Week by itself in 1953). Joe Biden issued an executive proclamation on July 19. Captive Nations Week commemorates…
READ FULL BLOG POSTHumanae Vitae at 55
The anniversary of an important encyclical of the 20th century has gone unnoticed
By John M. Grondelski | July 25th 2023 12:55 PMPope St. Paul VI’s encyclical on human life (not “birth control”), Humanae vitae, marks its 55th anniversary Tuesday, July 25. Yes, you can be pardoned if you -- like most people -- didn’t notice. Arguably one of the most important encyclicals of the 20th century, not just in terms of…
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