A Co Offaly parish have issued an apology for controversial comments made about on its Facebook page about IVF treatment.
Tullamore Parish posted a statement on Christmas Eve which said: “We pray for couples struggling to naturally conceive life and who are avoiding IVF treatment.
“The process of IVF damages embryonic stem cells and thus life and is therefore completely, clearly and totally incompatible with our Catholic faith. For all believers in God, all life is sacred at all times.”
The post came just days after Minister for Health Simon Harris announced a a €2 million support plan for people struggling with infertility.
Minister Harris described the comments as “extremely hurtful”, RTE reports.
He said: “The comments were, I am sure unintentionally, extremely hurtful to many families who are struggling with fertility issues”.
He added: “I thought and certainly hoped we had moved to a point as a country that this sort of inappropriate interference in decisions that individuals and couples make about their own lives would be left to them”.
Tullamore Parish have since apologised for the “great distress” caused by the statement and have removed their Facebook page.
A statement on the parish website added: “For hurt caused we apologise.
“Matters concerning fertility are sacred and sensitive, and all children are cherished and God-given, this is the essence of the Christmas message.
“The parish understands the great suffering experienced by mothers and fathers who long for a child.
"At this time, we offer our pastoral and prayerful support to all parents and expectant parents.”
