I read with great interest your recent newsletter on the Pope's comments regarding surrogacy, and I felt compelled to share my personal experience in light of his statements. As a father whose child was born through gestational surrogacy in Argentina, I can attest to the complexities and profound love involved in this process, which were overlooked by such sweeping condemnations.
In my case, the Argentine National Institute against Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Racism (INADI) has ruled in favor (Dictamen 1091-2023) of my family, affirming that the discrimination we faced due to our path to parenthood was unjust. This ruling is a testament to the fact that ethical surrogacy can and does exist, respecting all parties involved and creating loving, nurturing family units.
To declare all surrogacy as "despicable" is to deny the legitimacy of families like mine and to invalidate the selfless act of the surrogate mothers who help bring these children into the world. Such statements fail to recognize the diversity of circumstances and the genuine need for surrogacy, especially for many in the LGBTQ+ community.
It is not just about the right to have a child; it's about the right to family, love, and the recognition of the varied ways we can build and embrace our families in today's world. Regulation and ethical considerations are indeed necessary, but a blanket ban ignores the nuanced reality of those who turn to surrogacy as their only option for parenthood.
The Pope's comments, unfortunately, contribute to a harmful narrative that can lead to more stigma and discrimination against children born through surrogacy and their families. This is especially concerning when the church's stance does not always align with advocating for the rights and dignities of all individuals, particularly those of us who may not fit into traditional familial structures.
I believe it's imperative that we continue to share our stories and advocate for understanding and acceptance. Our children, brought into this world through surrogacy, are as cherished and wanted as any others, and they deserve to grow up in a world that recognizes the validity and beauty of their families.
With all due respect--and, IMHO, absolutely none is due--to hell with the Pope, the church, and religion in general. I don't give a rat's ass what some old white guy in the Vatican thinks or says, and neither should any other rational adult. People and their dignity are far more important than any religious dogma, doctrine, or pronouncement, and I have zero use for the Pope's opinion on surrogacy, marriage equality, women in the priesthood, or any other subject. The world would be a much better, safer, and more humane place if religion were viewed by everyone as the scam that it is. Remember folks: religion is nothing but a scheme to gain power and money, and only the gullible support it. Let's focus on being ethical, kind, and compassionate toward each other instead of creating artificial, religiously-based divisions between people.
Not in my country I am happy to say! Indeed despite the presence of bishops and such in the House of Lords the UK is one of the most irreligious countries in Europe. Screw the Pope!
Dear Mr. Houdart,
I read with great interest your recent newsletter on the Pope's comments regarding surrogacy, and I felt compelled to share my personal experience in light of his statements. As a father whose child was born through gestational surrogacy in Argentina, I can attest to the complexities and profound love involved in this process, which were overlooked by such sweeping condemnations.
In my case, the Argentine National Institute against Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Racism (INADI) has ruled in favor (Dictamen 1091-2023) of my family, affirming that the discrimination we faced due to our path to parenthood was unjust. This ruling is a testament to the fact that ethical surrogacy can and does exist, respecting all parties involved and creating loving, nurturing family units.
To declare all surrogacy as "despicable" is to deny the legitimacy of families like mine and to invalidate the selfless act of the surrogate mothers who help bring these children into the world. Such statements fail to recognize the diversity of circumstances and the genuine need for surrogacy, especially for many in the LGBTQ+ community.
It is not just about the right to have a child; it's about the right to family, love, and the recognition of the varied ways we can build and embrace our families in today's world. Regulation and ethical considerations are indeed necessary, but a blanket ban ignores the nuanced reality of those who turn to surrogacy as their only option for parenthood.
The Pope's comments, unfortunately, contribute to a harmful narrative that can lead to more stigma and discrimination against children born through surrogacy and their families. This is especially concerning when the church's stance does not always align with advocating for the rights and dignities of all individuals, particularly those of us who may not fit into traditional familial structures.
I believe it's imperative that we continue to share our stories and advocate for understanding and acceptance. Our children, brought into this world through surrogacy, are as cherished and wanted as any others, and they deserve to grow up in a world that recognizes the validity and beauty of their families.
Thank you for this ! Beautifully said.
Last news:
https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/mundo/2023/12/brasileiro-gay-e-discriminado-na-argentina-apos-ter-filho-por-meio-de-barriga-solidaria.shtml
https://noticias.mitelefe.com/actualidad/tuvo-un-hijo-por-gestacion-subrogada-quiso-tomarse-licencia-por-nacimiento-y-lo-echaron/
https://www.telam.com.ar/notas/202311/646143-gestacion-subrogada-licencia-nacimiento-despido.html
DICTAMEN 1091-2023 INADI decision on SAIJ:
http://www.saij.gob.ar/inadi-genzyme-argentina-sa-1091-di231091-2023-11-09/12345671-9013-2ido-tseu-pmocnematcid?&o=0&f=Total%7CFecha%7CEstado%20de%20Vigencia%5B5%2C1%5D%7CTema%5B5%2C1%5D%7COrganismo%5B5%2C1%5D%7CAutor%5B5%2C1%5D%7CJurisdicci%F3n%5B5%2C1%5D%7CTribunal%5B5%2C1%5D%7CPublicaci%F3n%5B5%2C1%5D%7CColecci%F3n%20tem%E1tica%5B5%2C1%5D%7CTipo%20de%20Documento/Dictamen/INADI&t=3136
Human Rights Campaign:
HRC Equidad AR denounces the discrimination faced by his employer in Buenos Aires
https://www.hrc.org/resources/hrc-equidad-ar-global-workplace-equality-program
Please find recent and relevant document and news about it. We need your support. Last news:
https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/mundo/2023/12/brasileiro-gay-e-discriminado-na-argentina-apos-ter-filho-por-meio-de-barriga-solidaria.shtml
https://noticias.mitelefe.com/actualidad/tuvo-un-hijo-por-gestacion-subrogada-quiso-tomarse-licencia-por-nacimiento-y-lo-echaron/
https://www.telam.com.ar/notas/202311/646143-gestacion-subrogada-licencia-nacimiento-despido.html
DICTAMEN 1091-2023 INADI decision on SAIJ:
http://www.saij.gob.ar/inadi-genzyme-argentina-sa-1091-di231091-2023-11-09/12345671-9013-2ido-tseu-pmocnematcid?&o=0&f=Total%7CFecha%7CEstado%20de%20Vigencia%5B5%2C1%5D%7CTema%5B5%2C1%5D%7COrganismo%5B5%2C1%5D%7CAutor%5B5%2C1%5D%7CJurisdicci%F3n%5B5%2C1%5D%7CTribunal%5B5%2C1%5D%7CPublicaci%F3n%5B5%2C1%5D%7CColecci%F3n%20tem%E1tica%5B5%2C1%5D%7CTipo%20de%20Documento/Dictamen/INADI&t=3136
Human Rights Campaign:
HRC Equidad AR denounces the discrimination faced from his employer in Buenos Aires
https://www.hrc.org/resources/hrc-equidad-ar-global-workplace-equality-program
Wasn't Mary a surrogate?
The first of them all 🙀
With all due respect--and, IMHO, absolutely none is due--to hell with the Pope, the church, and religion in general. I don't give a rat's ass what some old white guy in the Vatican thinks or says, and neither should any other rational adult. People and their dignity are far more important than any religious dogma, doctrine, or pronouncement, and I have zero use for the Pope's opinion on surrogacy, marriage equality, women in the priesthood, or any other subject. The world would be a much better, safer, and more humane place if religion were viewed by everyone as the scam that it is. Remember folks: religion is nothing but a scheme to gain power and money, and only the gullible support it. Let's focus on being ethical, kind, and compassionate toward each other instead of creating artificial, religiously-based divisions between people.
I agree but sadly the Pope’s word still has a huge impact on national legislation.
Not in my country I am happy to say! Indeed despite the presence of bishops and such in the House of Lords the UK is one of the most irreligious countries in Europe. Screw the Pope!
IKR? It's unfortunate, to say the least. Religion--not spirituality, but religion--is the bane of humankind.