IVF is morally wrong, childless couples should consider adoption, says Catholic Church
• CBCN President Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, the Archbishop of Owerri, addressing journalists on IVF, Friday, last week. Photo. Itoro Bassey
The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has reaffirmed the Church’s teaching that assisted reproductive technologies, including In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), are gravely immoral.
According to the bishops, their position is based on the belief that IVF separates the unitive and procreative aspects of marriage and commodifies human embryos.
Instead of pursuing IVF, the CBCN encouraged couples who are unable to conceive to consider adoption and to utilise natural family planning methods, along with morally acceptable medical assistance.
These are contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the CBCN’s second plenary meeting, which took place from September 11 to 19, 2025, at the Diocesan Retreat and Youth Development Centre in Nto Ekpu Ikot, Nko, Obot Akara LGA, Ikot Ekpene Diocese.
The communiqué, titled “Hope Does Not Disappoint: Working Together for a Just Nation,” was presented at the St. Anne’s Cathedral, Ifuho, Ikot Ekpene, on Friday, and jointly signed by CBCN President Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, Archbishop of Owerri, and Secretary Donatus Ogun, OSA, Bishop of Uromi.
The bishops, who expressed concern over the increasing number of fertility clinics in Nigeria, driven by the high demand from couples seeking IVF, emphasised the ethical implications of IVF, particularly regarding the dignity of human embryos, many of which, according to them, are often wasted in the process.
Additionally, the bishops raised alarms about the decline of family values and the growing trend of poor parenting. They condemned prostitution for its dehumanising effects on individuals and families.
The bishops also addressed the resurgence of idolatry and occult practices among youth, warning of the dangers posed by digital technology, including pornography, cybercrime, and addiction.
They called for enhanced media literacy initiatives within the Church and schools, such as a communications week programme.
The meeting was attended by the Catholic Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Most Rev. Michael Francis Crotty.
