RECONCILNG SCIENCE AND FAITH IN INFERTILITY, ASSITED REPRODUCTION AND AFRICAN MARRIAGE IDEALS: A CATHOLIC THEOLOGICAL RESPONSE

The study explores the complex intersection of science, faith, and culture in the context of infertility and assisted reproduction in Africa, with a specific focus on Catholic theological perspectives. The increasing prevalence of infertility in Africa, coupled with the growing availability of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART), raises significant ethical and theological questions. This research seeks to reconcile the scientific advancements in ART with African cultural ideals and Catholic theological teachings, which often emphasize the importance of procreation within the context of marriage. Infertility presents a profound challenge to the African marriage ideal, particularly within the Catholic context where procreation is both a theological vocation and a sacramental expression of conjugal love. As science advances through Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs), new ethical, doctrinal, and pastoral tensions emerge, especially concerning the sanctity of life, the unity of the marital act, and the dignity of the human person. This paper examines the intersection of science and Catholic faith in addressing infertility within African contexts. It draws on key magisterial documents including Donum Vitae, Dignitas Personae, Humanae Vitae, Familiaris Consortio, and Theology of the Body to explore the Church’s moral evaluation of ARTs and its call to uphold the inseparability of the unitive and procreative dimensions of marriage. Through a Catholic theological and ethical lens, the paper argues for a reconciliatory model that welcomes scientific advancements while remaining faithful to the Church's social teachings. It advocates a compassionate and grounded response to infertility that affirms human dignity, respects natural law, and offers pastoral care to couples facing the sorrow of childlessness. The paper shall adopt a qualitative research approach and specifically a theological inquiry to study and examine the Catholic Church’s position on ART and its implications for African Catholics struggling with infertility. The research draws from existing literature on infertility, ART, and Catholic theology, as well as African cultural beliefs on family and procreation.