Mother Overjoyed - Bishop Repulsed

On Sunday, January 16, in a Bucharest hospital, 66-year-old Adriana Iliescu delivered her first child - a 3 pound, 3 ounce little girl named Eliza Maria. Though the infant was six weeks premature the mother is "more than happy" with her new daughter.

What a joyous occasion! Mother and baby are both "in good condition in intensive care." Everyone is overjoyed that the first-time mother's 9-year struggle to become pregnant finally came to fruition. Not so fast: "This case has shocked us all," said Bishop Ciprian Campineanul of the Orthodox Church. "This was a selfish act." It seems some reflection may be required to determine if one belongs to the "all" who are shocked or the "everyone" who is overjoyed.

The bishop pointed out that it isn't merely 66-year-old (or 57-year-old) mothers who act "selfishly" when they pursue in vitro fertilization. Clerics disagree in principle with the procedure whatever the woman's age. Why? This cleric didn't say. But how can it be "selfish" to give birth? Clearly, what the man of faith objects to is not the birth, but the conception. Everyone can thank NED that Romania's government is not a theocracy - or is it?

"There is no law in Romania stipulating a maximum age for artificial insemination. [However,] A draft law awaiting approval in parliament bans fertility treatment for women who are above the normal reproductive age." (emphasis mine)

It's a damn good thing. We certainly wouldn't want to see anyone else repeat such a "selfish" and "shocking" act.

Freedom on the March Posted by JohnGalt at January 27, 2005 3:09 PM