During a discussion about the stigma faced by children conceived via in vitro fertilization and their families, a member of parliament, Agnieszka Pomaska, stated that negative attitudes come from people who tarnish these families. She added that the church has its own troubles and often avoids addressing the lives of those who seek a normal family life.
On Tuesday, Agnieszka Pomaska led a Campus Polska debate titled “In vitro to HiT. How to wipe the nose of the haters?” Her invited guests, including Małgorzata Rozenek-Majdan, noted that in vitro was not originally controversial in Polish public life and was treated as a standard medical procedure.
Theses of the PO-MP
Pomaska observed that “nineteen years ago it was not a topic of discussion, and in vitro was not seen as controversial.”
She added that political actor involvement changed the conversation because someone decided to align it with party goals.
The MP commented that the church has taken advantage of this issue by trying to make a segment of politicians dependent on it. She argued that those who stigmatize children born through IVF and their parents are acting badly. Everyone should be free to pursue their own happiness, including the joy of parenthood. The church, in her view, has its own problems and too often avoids addressing couples seeking a normal family life.
Pomaska appealed for a more compassionate public discourse.
Criticism of the rulers
Rozenek-Majdan added that the current administration treats in vitro as a tool in political skirmishes. She noted that some PiS members have used IVF for political purposes themselves. According to her, supporters of the IVF method should not sever dialogue with individuals who oppose it on religious grounds, since persuasion can work from both sides and minds can be changed through respectful conversation.
Participants in this panel noted that support for IVF among the general public exceeds eighty percent of society.
Pomaska noted that the opposition does not enjoy the same level of backing, which suggests that IVF support is not limited to a narrow voter base.
gah/PAP
Source: wPolityce