As the use of in vitro fertilization (IVF) becomes more widespread, ethical concerns surrounding the procedure continue to be a topic of debate, particularly within the Catholic Church. In response to the growing number of couples facing infertility, organizations like FEMM (Fertility Education and Medical Management) are providing alternatives that align with Catholic teaching.
Anna Halpine, CEO of FEMM, founded the organization in 2012 with the mission of expanding women’s health care options. “FEMM really started because we saw that despite all of the discussion about women’s health, very little women’s health care is actually available,” Halpine explained, according to EWTN News. FEMM seeks to address the root causes of infertility through a holistic and ethical approach rather than resorting to methods that violate Church teaching.
The Catholic Church’s Position on IVF
IVF is a procedure in which sperm and eggs are fused outside the womb, with resulting embryos implanted into a woman’s uterus. However, the process often involves the destruction of excess embryos, making it morally unacceptable in the eyes of the Catholic Church. According to estimates, there are approximately 600,000 frozen embryos stored in the U.S., with some estimates reaching over a million. The Catholic Church teaches that life begins at conception, meaning that the destruction of embryos is equivalent to the loss of human life.
Recently, the Trump-Vance administration issued an executive order expanding IVF access—a decision widely opposed by the U.S. Catholic bishops, who have advocated for restorative reproductive medicine instead. These alternatives, such as those offered by FEMM, seek to address infertility by diagnosing and treating the underlying causes rather than bypassing them through artificial means.
FEMM’s Ethical Alternative
FEMM provides fertility support through a scientific, holistic approach. The organization offers telehealth services, an app for cycle tracking, and access to a network of doctors trained in reproductive endocrinology. “We have a lot of patients who’ve struggled with fertility. Some of them have even failed multiple IVF attempts,” Halpine said. “We love taking care of these patients.”
Instead of viewing infertility as a condition in itself, FEMM seeks to diagnose and treat its root causes, such as endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), or hormonal imbalances. “Infertility itself is not a diagnosis. We want to know what the underlying diagnosis is,” Halpine explained. By restoring the natural functions of the body, FEMM offers hope to many couples looking for a morally acceptable path to conception.
Natural Family Planning and Fertility Awareness
A core part of FEMM’s mission aligns with the Church’s teachings on natural family planning (NFP). “FEMM works very well for natural family planning purposes,” Halpine noted. “We have guidelines, and we work with couples on a regular basis to help them understand their fertility and how they can use this knowledge to achieve or avoid pregnancy.”
Rather than relying on artificial contraception or morally objectionable fertility treatments, FEMM empowers women with knowledge of their own bodies. “We know that it’s time to change the standard of care,” Halpine emphasized. “Women deserve to be able to receive a diagnosis and treatment of the root cause instead of just Band-Aids for ongoing symptoms.”
A Call to Ethical Health Care
For Catholic couples struggling with infertility, FEMM provides a faith-aligned alternative that respects the sanctity of life and the dignity of the human person. With its focus on reproductive endocrinology, cycle tracking, and holistic health, FEMM is making strides in advancing ethical reproductive medicine.
“We can do more than we were able to do for women in the past, and that’s a really important and powerful message that women love to receive,” Halpine said. “They’re eager to get this care and support. And the better they feel, the happier they are.”
As the conversation around infertility continues, Catholics are encouraged to seek out alternatives that align with Church teaching. By turning to organizations like FEMM, couples can pursue the gift of parenthood in a way that honors both their faith and their desire for a family.
