IVF

In Vitro Fertilization, or IVF, is a very controversial issue that has many facets. The Catholic Church opposes IVF on the grounds that the involvement of a third party in the conception process is immoral and contrary to God's will. However, as the article acknowledges, many infertile couples have a great desire to biologically parent a child. In this regard, IVF can bring great joy and happiness. Nevertheless, I believe that there are several cons to IVF. Although I strongly support hormonal treatments and GIFT, I think that a person ultimately must accept their limitations. God has crafted a unique plan for everyone and we must recognize that. In addition, IVF is not guaranteed to work, even when donors and surrogates are used. Furthermore, right now in the United States there are thousands of children waiting in foster care to be adopted by loving, permanent parents. Although adoption can involve psychological and emotional trauma for both the child(ren) and the parents, most people receive tremendous joy from the process. Another point of contention is the financial cost of IVF treatment. While IVF has become more widely available, it is still incredibly expensive, meaning that such treatments are restricted to only the financially privileged.

He's Just Not That Into You

Although it is considered a "chick flick," the movie He's Just Not That Into You contains many real examples of dating, marriage, and relationships. For example, the long-term relationship between Neil and Beth, played by Ben Affleck and Jennifer Aniston respectively, highlights the issue of cohabitation and marriage. Although Beth strongly desires to tie the knot, Neil resists, citing his opposition to the institution of matrimony. Expressing his commitment to her, he tries to explain that marriage is unnecessary for them since they are content and dedicated to each other. As we discussed in class, many cohabitating couples can enjoy developed and fulfilling relationships. The ultimate marriage of the Beth and Neil, however, does suggest that matrimonial union holds a specialness and an intimacy lacking in cohabitation. Interestingly, the relationship between Janine (Jennifer Connelly) and Ben (Bradley Cooper) reveals that the act of marriage does not always offer martial bliss.

Ultimately, both couples demonstrate that a successful relationship depends on the values, beliefs, and emotional characters of those involved. As I have witnessed in my own life, love works in mysterious ways and no blanket statement or statistic can determine a relationship. The most critical factors in a the outcome of a dating, cohabitating, or marital relationship involve the individual features of the couple, such as their age, education, and life story. Nevertheless, I do believe that marriage is the consummate manifestation of love and an ultimate goal.

The Changing Face of Marriage

My life, especially my younger childhood, has essentially been the "domestic church." My parents, particularly my mother, are very strict in regards to both behavior and religion. Since my toddler years, I have not once missed a single Sabbath Mass--regardless of where we go on vacation, my mother will find a church. One summer, my mother even took my brother and I to 8 a.m. Mass every weekday. As a child I used to collect holy cards and saint statues, and I cannot even count how many obscure shrines I have visited. Advent and Lent mean evening rosary sessions, and I have prayed the Chaplet of Divine Mercy on almost Good Friday. My family fasts before Mass, genuflects with both knees before the Blessed Sacrament, and even recites the Fatima Prayer following the "Glory Be." Although I appreciate my parents' efforts to spread the Gospel and instill in me the Catholic faith, I know that I will parent very differently. I will establish a domestic church in my home, however I believe that faith should have spiritual meaning, not just empty institutional practices. 

In regards to the changing face and structure of marriage, I think that, although marriage is the ultimate goal, there can be extremely happy and stable couples who simply cohabitate. While official married status certainly does serve as a deterrent to divorce, the rate of separation and divorce is still relatively high. What really matters is the level of commitment between the two people involved. Communication is critical to a successful relationship and I do believe that many couples can enjoy a very gratifying relationship if there is a healthy degree of vulnerability and communication between them. Interestingly, college educated individuals are also proven to experience fewer divorces, suggesting that emotional maturity, critical thinking, and developed communication skills have more bearing on the success of a relationship than the actual act of marriage.