Rescate y adopción de embriones criopreservados: ¿solidaridad o encarnizamiento reproductivo?

Abstract

In this paper I propose that, when analyzed according to the teachings of the Church, both prenatal adoption and the so-called rescue of frozen embryos should be considered as morally impermissible. The good intentions of the rescuers and the tragic circumstances of the embryos don't change the intrinsic evil of the object of this action, i.e. a heterologous transfer. Unlike other commentators, my argument is not related to prudential reasons or the sanctity of marital intercourse, but exclusively to the violation of the embryo's dignity. This is one of the diffi cult cases in which respect for human dignity requires to respect its death rather than commit oneself to any means to save its life.