In this chapter, we analyze bioethical topics having to do with the beginning of life. The main focus is on contraception, abortion, and commercial surrogacy. Our goal is to gain clarity as to the Catholic teaching and to see how these teachings are grounded in the principle of universal human dignity examined in the previous chapter. I wish to say that I am aware that these issues, particularly the first two, can evoke strong reactions whether on the part of those who affirm the Catholic teachings or from those who vehemently dissent. Therefore, allow me to make a caveat. Nothing in this chapter is intended as a moral judgment on any particular individual: “Stop judging, that you may not be judged. For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you.” Obviously, however, this passage does not mean to refrain from making moral distinctions. The very passage itself makes such a distinction between judging and not judging. Let us advance, then, to the subject of contraception.

CONTRACEPTION

In order to make clear the Catholic teaching on contraception, let us begin with a hypothetical thought experiment. We know that in acts of sexual intercourse there is a chemical released called oxytocin. Sometimes referred to as the “love hormone,” it is a chemical that furthers the emotional bonding of the couple. Now, imagine that a pharmaceutical company in Sweden successfully produced a pill that could block the release of oxytocin that naturally occurs during the sex act.