ROME - The Vatican has publicly denounced surrogate motherhood, advocating for its prohibition worldwide and classifying it as a "universal crime." In a recent declaration titled "Dignitas infinita" (Infinite Dignity), issued by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Vatican commemorated the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The document emphasizes the intrinsic value of human dignity within Christian anthropology, strongly condemning surrogacy as a practice that reduces children to mere objects and constitutes a severe violation of the dignity of both women and children.
According to Philippines News Agency, surrogacy not only exploits women in financial need but also treats children as commodities rather than gifts, demanding international efforts to universally outlaw the practice. Additionally, the document addresses Italy's right-wing government's initiative to criminalize surrogacy, potentially affecting gay couples who engage in surrogacy abroad. The declaration also touches on gender theory, advocating for respect towards homosexual individuals while critiquing gender theory as harmful for denying sexual differences and promoting unjust discrimination. The Vatican further condemns violence and discrimination against women, including coercive abortions and polygamy, highlighting the global scandal of femicide and the ongoing struggle for women's equality.