roxygurl

I found the information while looking some type of q/a forum on BYU. A Bishop's son had posted that information on someone else's question. It was the only information I could find anywhere about the subject. Thanks for the help! :)

I've been reading a lot lately about infertility treatments. I tried to look up how the Church feels about in vitro fertilization, egg donation, and sperm insemination, but all I could find is the Bishop's handbook said that sperm insemination and surrogate mothers are discouraged. I've been thinking of donating my eggs for couples who want to conceive, but can't get pregnant on their own. That way a woman can still be pregnant with a child that is half hers (from her husband's sperm). The only drawback I could think of from egg donation is that perhaps a gay or lesbian couple would use the egg, but I'm sure I could find an agency that is strict on choosing those who use egg donation. Is it not within Church guidelines and beliefs to donate eggs for infertile couples? Does the Church frown on in vitro fertilization? If a couple was infertile, does the Church only encourage adoption? I know that many people believe that life starts at conception (hence why abortion is not accepted) but do our eggs and sperm really count as our children if unfertilized? I'm just wondering because if I donate my eggs I won't think of it as donating children because the eggs would be discarded anyway if I didn't donate (monthly), although I suppose someone else in the world would be genetically connected to me, they wouldn't be my children, right?

I personally have had a sister remove her name from the church records. She had a hard time adapting to church life in Utah after moving from California and she became involved in drugs and other things before deciding to remove her name from the church records. I'm not sure if her choice is a consequence of poor treatment from members, lost belief in the church, or perhaps pressuring from her Jewish boyfriend to be removed. My family reacted differently from your family; I believe my parents tried to hold on as my sister pushed herself farther away. In spite of decisions she has made that my family doesn't believe are right, over the years we have built a loving relationship. Over time as she was away from us and as she grew older in her 20s, I believe she began to appreciate my parents and our family more. I think it's best to not bring up church topics, and as everyone respects the other's beliefs we get along fine. Your family will most likely be the same way. Over time, I'm sure they will realize the mistake they are making, but at the moment they are probably hurt and feeling rejected. I know that Church members can be very judgmental and that people can take offense easily. The leaders of the Church know this too, just read the last October 2006 general conference talks. I've even heard that during a fireside, one of the quorum of the 12 apostles said that the biggest concern they have about the Church members is being judgmental. I'm sorry to hear that your family is pushing you away. I know that is not right. Everyone deals with things differently and hopefully you can still love them although your decision creates a separation between you and them. Perhaps the only thing you can do is state your stance and reasons for leaving and wait for time and God to bring you back together.